It sure is easy to take for granted the things we enjoy around us every day; cars, jobs, friends or even the basic food and shelter! We wake up every morning fully expecting all those things will be waiting for us as we left them the day before and the day before that. We don’t give a moments pause to think of people with considerably less than we have…not only in third world countries, but even here in our own home town . Sometimes we even develop feelings of entitlement “Well, I worked hard for many years, so I deserve to have a nice car, house, boat, etc.”
Let me be the first to tell you this: It could all change in the blink of an eye. As distant as someone may feel from being homeless, it might take much less than you think to put you into that same category. I have had “good” years and “bad” years, and let me tell you…several times if it hadn’t been for family I might very well have been homeless. Even simple things like owning a vehicle become VERY costly when you don’t have money – even if the vehicle is paid off! I know because I have been there…more than once! I know the desperate feeling when it seems like it is you vs. the world. Jobless, Homeless or (fill in the blank) – it is very hard sometimes to know even what single step to take to get out of the situation you are in. I will share with you that there are people who care and organizations that have been created to help people in this state. There IS hope and there IS an end to whatever is going on in your life.
Think of the hundreds of people whose entire world may have changed literally overnight due to a tornado wiping out their community. Or what about the person who has worked for a company for many years and then for any number of reasons, they’re out of a job. Or someone gets sick…or someone broadsides your car…or the space shuttle lands on your head. We have a much more delicate existence than may be readily believed.
Appreciate what you have, love those around you, help others who may be struggling too. Just remember, in the blink of an eye, you could easily be in similar circumstances or even worse. We are a blessed people!
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
Proverbs 27:1