Gratitude and Humility

As many of you know, Jay was laid off at the end of January. It had been rough even before that, because he was in commission-based employment in the automotive industry. Obviously, however, his dismissal on January 30 was the final affront on our finances (not to mention our sanity). Since then, we have applied for and/or enrolled in a few government-type assistance programs to put food on the table, but it's a daily struggle when there is NO money coming into the house. Yes, he has filed for unemployment, but the government is taking its sweet time processing everything and we have yet to receive a penny.

We have received help in various forms from many people during this time, and this is just my public acknowledgment of those people - and they know who they are! When friends and family step up to the plate the way ours have to ask what they can do and actually be willing to do it, we just have no words that properly convey our thankfulness. Some people have been constant advocates for us in the job market, using their contacts and inquiring about potential employment opportunities on our behalf. Some people have assisted us financially, while others have provided food. Some have provided diapers and other baby needs, while still others have provided prayers and advice. And bear in mind, NO ONE is financially sound right now. Every person who helps us does so out of his or her heart and leaves the logistics to God.

I KNOW that we will see the other side of this experience and will one day work and provide for our family again. I have absolute faith that God wants us to have this experience because we need to have this experience and that it is truly for our betterment that it has come about. I confess I have certainly lost my focus a time or two and felt out of control and scared. We keep plugging on, however, and eventually things will turn around.

This has given us the opportunity to re-evaluate some things. Jay will be going back to school to attain his Associates Degree in Art and Design, while (God willing) working part-time. I will go back to work full-time as soon as I receive a job offer. I am pursuing every avenue, submitting more applications and attending more interviews every week. So far, we are still jobless, but we will continue to search and apply.

This experience has definitely humbled us and illustrated exactly who our friends are. Anyone know Tim McGraw?

"You find out who your friends are. Somebody's gonna drop everything, run out and jump in their car, hit the gas, get there fast, never stop to think 'What's in it for me?' or 'It's way too far!' They just show on up, with their big ol' heart. You find out who your friends are."

So true.

So, all I'm trying to say is THANK YOU. Thank you a million times.