Things are tough for millions right now

2009 - 2010 was a tough period for our family. I, along with 15 - 20 million other Americans, was out of work for much of that period and it was difficult making ends meet. We learned a lot through this period and thankfully I am gainfully employed again as of mid-December.

Last night, I got to thinking about the difficulties so many are going through these days. A severe recession has led to more Americans being on food stamps than at any time in our nations history. Work is scarce and our governments efforts to reverse this trend have proven largely unsuccessful. The housing crises has millions more citizens displaced, unable to afford their mortgages any longer. Many others have family problems, health problems, etc.. The list could go on and on.

As humans, I have learned that we are happiest when we take our eyes off of ourselves and put them on others. Most people I know are far more blessed than they even realize, including me. Meanwhile millions across the world continue to suffer, some losing hope that significant change will ever come.

What can I do to give someone hope? What about you? Would you join me in committing to seeking out at least one opportunity per day for the remainder of January and attempting to spread a message of hope to someone who may need it? Do you know someone out of work? Do you know someone who has given up? Someone recently divorced? Someone having financial challenges? Would you make one positive interaction a day a priority and bring some light to someones world? Would you just look for such an opportunity with someone you may pass on the street? It may just take a smile or a hug. Perhaps someone needs some financial help. Maybe it's a meal for a homeless person. Whatever it is, would you join me in taking my eyes off of myself and looking to help another who needs it worse than you? I think we will see that, in doing so, we will be a blessing to someone else but will likely me blessed more ourselves as a result of giving. As a friend of mine said, "Hope for the hopeless, help for the helpless, strength in the weakness". And from me, "God bless you for making a difference!"