I had a conversation with my dad yesterday and it provided great insight. A deeper awareness to the total and enormous responsibility it is to raise children. Anyone can have children but to raise them requires effort, selflessness, faith and perseverance in times of trials. To raise Children you have to provide for all their needs, physical, mental and emotional.
He shared with me how when he was a young man and had begun a career in a specific trade he thought, that was it, he was secure. He never imagined he would ever be without work.
He shared with me that the scariest thing of being laid off and having little children was because of the role and responsibility of being “The provider.” To be faced with uncertainty, in a moment of time while raising small children. He never imagined that possiblilty, the unthinkable had happened and his sense of security was crushed. He emphasized how it was a shock to realize even with a specialized skill set, it didn’t guarantee him job security as he had expected. He reflected about a time when he was out of work. He was most afraid for his children. As he stated “they don’t know any better, or what’s going on. They are dependant on their parents to provide.”
It caused my pondering to go deeper. As I have been looking for work myself. I too have felt the concern about the uncertainty of how I will get by. One can’t help but wonder about tomorrow in circumstances such as these. To add upon these thoughts and think of tiny mouths to feed, on top of my many concerns about surviving, would surely be heart wrenching. The thought of not being able to provide even for a moment….My talk with my dad helped give me a broader perspective.
I now feel a deeper sense of compassion and empathy for all those unemployed looking for work, especially those with children. I ask that you join me in prayer, by taking just a moment and asking God to bless all those seeking work to find it. Especially families with little ones.
Some words I reflect on at times like this in my life, are what a priest told me during confession,
“God will never leave you or forsake you…he has your name written on the palm of his hand, he will not abandon you.”
It’s always a comforting reminder to ponder on these beautiful words, in the truth of the message. For God will always provide and he just asks for our trust.
Love and be good to people and reflect Christ’s love in this world. You never know when you may be in a place of vulnerability and humility.
I have a renewed respect for all the humble of heart. I have great hope and anticipation in the surprises God has in store for me and trust in his timing.
If you are in a similar situation or know someone who is, please be a friend. Be a witness to Christ’s love in this world and give what you can, maybe that’s an encouraging word, a meal, a ride to an interview or whatever it may be…be somebody’s miracle today. It’s amazing how the small things we can do for one another in times of need can be an answer to prayer. You can be a gift from God in someone’s life. The only way to live is to give, it provides a deep joy and happiness. Always give hope, love and always give unselfishly…
