Posted in Special Thoughts of Mine

This week has been a monumental week here in the United States.  History has been made with the election of the first African-American President being elected.  Had the other candidate, John McCain, been elected, history would also have been made with the election of the first female Vice-President.  To sum it up, this was destined to become a history-making election.

I've listened to many comments this week from many areas.  Some comments have been positive, others have been negative.  This is to be expected.  As in all democratic societies, passions and emotions run high during election time.  Everyone chooses the candidate they feel is best to be elected, and they will defend that candidate no matter what is said or done. 

There is a lot being said about the troubles facing our new President as he prepares to take office in January.  Our country is in the midst of an economic crisis, we are at war in 2 separate countries, the threat of terrorism is at a very high level...and the list goes on and on.

However, we have faced times such as these before in the not too distant past.  It is really only in the last 30-40 years that our country has settled down to a level of comfort unknown before.  How many Presidents have taken office in the midst of war?  or with the threat of war hanging over them?  How many have taken office during times of economic stress?  Most of them, actually.

Think back to the Civil War, the 2 World Wars, the Great Depression, the long battles for women's right to vote, the battle for gender equality, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War...and again, the list goes on and on. 

There is a difference between those times of troubles, and our current woes.  The difference is in the people.  During those times, the people instictively joined together and worked as a team to improve our country.  Neighbors helped neighbors, communities banded together to improve their local economy, and the nation's leaders knew they had the backing of the citizens of the United States.  Knowing that gave them the courage to make difficult decisions and gave them the confidence to move forward as a united government. 

What am I seeing now?  I'm seeing a nation that has divided itself into political parties, and the governmental leaders are divided in the same way.  Bills and laws aren't being passed because "the other party" suggested them (even though they would benefit the country).  Nitpicking is being done along political party lines and this is filtering down to the citizens and creating more fear and anxiety for our country's future. 

I won't go into all of the reasons for this division, but there are many.  My main focus is what can we do to stop the problem?  I do have a couple of ideas.

• Quit looking at everyone as a political party.  Instead, focus on how you can work with this other person for the good of the country.  Learn to lay aside your differences of opinion, and find that common "neutral" ground that you can stand together on.  Work from there.
• Quit spending money on frivolous things.  In other words, if it isn't needed for the welfare of your family, don't buy it!  For example, if your washing machine breaks down, try to have it repaired before you just junk it and buy a new one.  Or do you really need that new suit or dress?  No, probably not.  We must learn to distinguish what is a 'necessity' and what is a 'want'. 
• Learn to say, "No." to your children.  They don't have to have the latest gadget, or the hot toy of the year!  Your son or daughter will learn the meaning of limitations, and the wisdom of not frivolously throwing away hard-earned money when you do this.  You don't have to go into financial details with them, just let them know it isn't in the budget right now.  Too often parents try to blame the economy, or blame someone else for their budget woes, when all too often it comes down to common sense not being used by the parents themselves.  Your son or daughter won't hate you forever (although they might make you think they will), but instead will learn valuable lessons from you about life principles.
• Reach out to others.  I know this may sound crazy to some, but when you give, it comes back to you in many ways.  Now, that's not the reason to reach out to others, but may help you overcome that fear of letting go of a dollar or two for something besides frivolity.
• Simplify your life.  This includes everything from your menus/meals to how you spend your free time.  Quit eating out all the time--it isn't healthy, it isn't inexpensive, and it really doesn't save you any time (even fast-food isn't fast any more--think of how long you spend standing in line!).  Plan your menus--simple food is easier to fix and generally healthier for you.  Rent a movie (or borrow one from a friend) instead of spending the prices at the movie theaters.  Take a walk in the park instead of walking through the mall (where you'll be bombarded by "sales" and end up spending money you don't need to spend while you're breathing stale air instead of fresh air!). 

In other words, use your common sense.  Tighten your belts.  Close your wallet to unnecessary "stuff."  Quit your impulse buying.  Spend more time at home with your family and friends. 

I leave you with one of my favorite verses today:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  ~Romans 8:28

Hugs,

Cynthia Robin

P.S.  A final thought--my newsletter hiatus is over and the new issue will be out very soon in your inbox!