There are terms popularized by the economic meltdown happening in America and likewise in many parts of the world. Bailout. Credit Crunch. Meltdown. Inflation-deflation, implosion-explosion, currency devaluation etc. but the word that my children like seems to be Black Friday. These words do not refer to the Friday of Holy Week. But it does refer to retail stores clearing their inventories the day after Christmas and once more today on the first day of the New Year. Our family stayed 3 days in Vegas and they witnessed what a Black Friday was. “Remove another 20% on top of already cleared items…” We had just purchased some items earlier this morning but I found out that right after midnight, discounted items will still be discounted once stores open around 11 in the morning.
As of this writing, my family and I are enjoying our yearly vacation in Mountain View California. Birth place of Google. And in this vicinity, there is hardly any sign of economic difficulty. Susan my sister-in-law who resides here says that Google as a growing company continues to attract people to come and work in this area and as such has spurred economic activity while her husband Felix who works as Manager for an European Car dealership continues to sell cars and was in fact promised a big bonus because of his great performance in ’08. And all the while I thought everything was melting here in America every time I watch the negative news in TV. (As a matter of fact, all news seem to be of the negative kind).
And so it’s quarter to 2 in the morning as of this writing. My family and I passed from the old year to the New Year in church thanking God for the blessings He has bestowed upon us and praying that God would use us more for His Purposes in ’09. I have prayed for my friends and even to those who do not want to be. God says I have to do it and so I do it. Tomorrow we go home. My kids will go back to school, my son will go back to work and I will do my talks and trainings all over.
Some people will lose their jobs, many will retain it. Some businesses will grow some will not. Others will close while some new ones will open. There is really nothing new under the sun. But the one crack we all have in life is to help make this world a better one. Just one chance so we should not blow it! So don’t start your day with the negative news. Start your day with the good news of Scriptures. Be inspired so you can inspire others. Smile at people who tell you there is no hope and when you and I are faced with challenges, remember how God has been faithful to us all these years. Do not let worry and anxiety blind you to the opportunities that may be staring at you in the face. My handle had always been the 8th chapter of the Book of Romans in the New Testament, the 28th verse. Look it up because I sure am not telling you. It has been the verse that has carried me through good times as well as hard times. Why not let this be your handle for 2009 too? It has been mine all these years and it has never failed! Have a Blessed New Year!