Nathan Key

The newspaper is filled with dreadful stories about the economy. The Today Show is showing segments on how "regifting" is OK in the current state of the nation. Families are frightened that they won't be able to make enough money to cover their budgets. And those who are currently employed aren't sure that their jobs will be around next month.

In some ways, however, we've actually been able to live better lives because of all the craziness that's happening in the business sector. OK, making a subjective claim like "better" is rather difficult to do when things are so tough out there, so I'll give you four examples of what I mean when I say that we can still live well in desperate times.

One: In desperate times, people learn that they aren't ultimately in charge of the way things work. When we "make money" and "amass wealth" it's easy to feel like the masters of our own destiny. But the reality is, we're all one paycheck away from poverty. And none of us have a secure future simply because we've worked hard. Now, this can be rather depressing for some who have put all their hope in the work of their own hands. But, it should actually be a very freeing thought. There is a relief that sets in when we realize that we don't have to control everything- that there are forces outside of our influence that will have their way no matter how hard we work, how much we pray, and how good we are.

Two: In desperate times, those who have much are given the opportunity to share with those who don't have much. I've witnessed this personally over the past few months. Since losing my own job, my family and friends alike have offered encouragement, housing, and help at every step of the way. It's a little overwhelming sometimes to see the generosity of others at work in my life. And to think that I might have missed seeing that side of my friends and family if it weren't for our current situation. I'm glad for the chance to see their generosity, and I hope that I can be generous with what I have, too.

Three: In desperate times, we assess what's important and we cut out a lot of the needless extravagances that weren't really important in the first place. Living within our means, within our budget, without the excesses that we might have indulged in when we had disposable income, usually gives us more time and energy to focus on what we really wanted to do in the first place. For instance, a walk is a much better way to spend time together than a movie (although there's nothing wrong with a movie, either). If we cut the entertainment budget and fill that time with personal interactions- the rewards are priceless.

Four: In desperate times, we remember to pray and fast and fill our lives with those who are practicing spiritual disciplines. I read an article the other day that said that church attendance across the nation is up 30 or 40 percent. When things are going well, people forget that they need salvation from the human condition and of course, this is why the persecuted church thrives. Desperate times requires letting go of the idea that we can "make it" on our own. For we cannot continue to hold onto a rugged individualism when caught in an economic downturn. If we do life the same way we always have, we've missed out on the chance to learn something new from our situation.

Don't miss out on the bigger meaning of life.

Note: I neglected my blogging on Thursday and Friday due to a back injury that made it rather difficult to sit and type. I'm doing much better today after a few days of rest.

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