Things I've Learned Lately

Over the past couple of weeks, I've learned a few things that, hopefully, I will take with me after this difficult chapter in our life is complete.

1. Appreciate the small things. I don't know how religious you may be, but I've learned in recent weeks to see each event of my day as a blessing. After church last Sunday, we went to McDonalds for lunch. We had a meeting to go to at 1:00, and didn't have enough time to go home to eat. After we ordered, the counterperson gave me my total. I had just enough cash to pay for our lunch. I almost cried (I'm glad I didn't-it might have freaked out the poor kid behind the counter). Yesterday, I stopped by Starbucks for a cup of coffee. Hubby had bought me a gift card for Christmas, and I've been using it very sparingly. I got into a discussion with the drive-thru person about the brewed coffee of the day (I'm not a big fan of Pike Place). It was in the afternoon, and since that was all they had, I went ahead and ordered an Americano. When I got to the window, the guy at the drive-thru charged me for a brewed coffee, which was cheaper than the Americano. I was able to hold back my tears until I got past the drive-thru window. It was so touching. Just when I needed it, He was there.

2. Don't buy cheap oranges. I had recently discovered that I could eat oranges again. I was allergic to them as a child, but now I can eat them just fine. I usually take one to work with me. The first time I went to the grocery store after Hubby lost his job, I bought some oranges that were at a really cheap price. I could have went to Food City or Kroger and bought some, but I was trying to be as frugal as possible. The first time I went to eat one of the cheap oranges, I discovered why they were cheap. They were sour, had thick peels, and had those stringy veins that are impossible to chew. I suffered through them, one by one, until it was pay day. Needless to say, I splurged on oranges from Wal-Mart. I had one today. It's hard to appreciate decent oranges until you do without. (But, the next ones I get will be from Food City).

3. We are not alone in this. I've discovered throughout this situation that there are many people who are either going through or have gone through this same situation. Growing up, my dad worked in manufacturing and there were several times that his factory was closed due to lack of work. But, it wasn't until this happened that I've had the opportunity to talk to many people who have been kind enough to share their stories with me. One friend told me about her husband being out of work for 2 1/2 years and how they made it. Another person told me about his wife having trouble getting full time work after being laid off. Another friend told me that his wife is facing a layoff in the coming weeks. The most common thing I have heard from everyone is that God has helped them and continues to help them each day (this also goes back to item 1).

4. People truly care. I've been overwhelmed by the response of people who genuinely care about us. Many people have asked and continue to ask how we are doing. These are friends, co-workers and family who truly care about us. They also pray for hubby to be able to find something, and for us to be ok. The concern and care by the people close to us has been very touching to me, and I deeply appreciate it.

I'm sure this list will grow as the weeks go along. I'll be interested to see what other lessons are in store for us. But, for now, I'll just savor my oranges and smile.