Keeping Perspective

How tough are things, really? I spoke to a good friend this week about the unbelievable economic challenges being faced in her part of the country. The commentary was familiar. She said that many, if not most, of the family businesses in her community had gone out of business and others were on the brink of closing. In the part of the world in which I live, where economically speaking realities are much brighter, businesses are closing and people are losing jobs at an unprecedented rate. Good friends have recently sold their home and have relocated in order to survive financial disaster. Charities are reporting substantial losses in contributions and yet they are receiving an almost overwhelming appeal for help. So, how much more difficult can it get?

I have good friends who help me keep perspective about how challenging life really is. They are in their retirement years. He is blind and she is not able to work any longer. They are the sole caregivers of their granddaughter who is completely disabled and requires 24/7 care. They have some nursing support but it is primarily their life to live. I have another friend who has been the sole caregiver for a wife who has been totally ravaged by the tragedy of Alzheimer's for the past ten years. Having to watch someone you love waste completely away is almost too much to bear. As a nation, we watched as families grieved over the loss of their military family at the hands of a mad man. Safety and security seem to be elusive in even the most protected environment.

The truth is things could always be worse. In fact, there is always someone, somewhere who is suffering in ways that cause our circumstances to pale into insignificance. Somehow, knowing the reality of life around us helps us keep perspective. In fact, when we allow ourselves to become totally focused on how difficult life is then our vision becomes flawed and depression is not far off. And, there is always something, even in the most difficult circumstances, for which to be thankful. Think of the world around you and be thankful for the life you have been given to live. Do well, my friends!