Middle Ground

I would certainly not be so naive as to suggest that as Americans we should all just stand in a circle, hold hands, and sing a chorus of “Kumbayah”.  However in this time of uncertainty I think it is a great time for us to count our blessings and realize that for centuries people in various cultures around the world and even many in other nations today consider the day a success if their family goes to bed with food in their stomachs.  That is a reality that I cannot even begin to identify with, and I find it somewhat hard to believe that most of my fellow Americans could say that they have either.  

I think it would be an understatement to say that I am concerned about the turbulent financial times.  Who isn’t?  There have been pay cuts and layoffs at my work that have affected almost everyone.  My husband who works in the construction industry was laid off twice this summer.  I keep looking at our finances wondering what to cut out next.  Right now the house phone and our Netflix subscription are on the chopping block.  We are also tightening our belts on food and entertainment expenses, and just trying to see what we can live without.  With all this talk about the proverbial economic sky falling part of me wants to have a panic attack but thankfully so far the voice of reason is winning.  

I certainly don’t mean to make light of the “global economic crisis” as it is now being referred to.  I know people are losing their jobs, homes, and their pride.  And it really does hurt.  I still keep finding it hard to sit here and cry about it though for a few reasons:

1.  I have a place to live. 

2. I not only have plenty of food, but the ability to choose what I want to eat from a wide variety of foods.

3.  I have reliable transportation with air conditioning, power door locks, keyless entry, air bags… ( I think you get the point.)

4. I have numerous pairs of clothing, shoes, purses, and a bunch of other accessories that are fun but certainly not necessities.

Given the time I could probably go on and on for a while because despite the uncomfortableness of our current economic situation I have been afforded many luxuries that I have taken for granted for the most part.  In addition to my physical needs being met and my desires for material things being fulfilled, I have been blessed with many things that money cannot buy.  Ideals that transcend our nation’s borders and language barriers such as Freedom, Love, and a wonderful Family. 

Although I do not like the path our nation has been going down I know it isn’t too late for us to turn around.  We are at a turning point, a historical moment, whether we currently realize it or not.  We have been offered a change.  Many voted for change.  What we must realize now is that change doesn’t just trickle down.  If we want real changes we must all stand up and be counted, stand out in the crowd and make our voices heard.   JFK told us to “Ask not what your country can do for you– Ask what you can do for your country.”  He was and still is right.  Following that principle will probably be the only thing that can rejuvenate the American dream and bring our nation back to her “glory days”.