“Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes, and adversity is not without comforts and hopes.” Francis Bacon

Remember the good ol’ days…about three years ago, when we all had money and businesses were booming? Things have certainly changed. Our business was busy. My husband was actually taking care of “big picture” aspects of our small company that had been a little neglected because our son and others were now running the operations. We made some sound investments in raw land and netted a nice little profit. We were looking toward phasing into early part-time retirement and building our “dream house.”

[Insert loud screeeeeching noise] Today things have an entirely different complexion. The business has slowed down and we’ve had to make staffing cutbacks. My husband is back in the mix of serving clients and overseeing all the details each day. We live in the same house we’ve been in for 26 years and don’t have plans to move.

But the way we look at it determines our level of joy. We have chosen to not focus on what could have been or what we hoped would be…instead, focusing on how much we do have. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Chris Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

We have a business that still supports a number of families. We have kept our debt low so that if there isn’t enough money for our paycheck, we can get by. We have a comfortable home that is surrounded by loving friends and holds countless sweet memories. We are healthy and strong enough to continue doing the work that needs to be done.

Things don’t look the way we thought they’d look today. We’re working longer hours and have to make sacrifices in our spending. But we have generous friends who invite us to visit and some frequent flyer miles, so occasional travel is still possible.

Our family is all in the same town and we have an easy, fun time when we’re all together. There’s not a lot of drama and discord. Everyone is stepping up and taking care of themselves according to this altered economy. Simple joy is easy to find if you look around…

And we have a new little grandbaby  to divert our time, attention (and a little money) toward. That one fact simplifies everything. All-in-all, we’re blessed beyond belief. God is good. All the time… in every circumstance and economic climate.

Are you focusing on what you have or what you “should have had?” What has changed in your life? What can you do to help shift your focus and gain more joy? Share below at Words In High Def.

Diane Markins

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