One year later

It has been almost exactly one year since David quit his job at Comfort Home and started his own business. As I think back over the past year and the experiences I've had I can recognize the Lord's hand in supporting us. When David first gave his two weeks notice it was at the same time as Hurricane Katrina and I was sure we were going to lose everything. I knew that a time of testing was imminent and in my mind I superimposed our situation on what I was seeing in the news. Well, a year later we haven't lost our house and have even started drawing a regular paycheck. I feel like we've been like the people of Ammon: tested, but supported in our trials. There have been times I've felt discouraged. Other times I've been jealous and bitter. But through everything I'm thankful for how the Lord has sustained us. I am also thankful for the new perspectives I have gained and the life-lessons I have learned.

One of the hardest things for me to reconcile through this period has been the tremendous disparity between the "haves" and "have-nots" around the world. My experiences have made me realize how blessed we are to live in this country. Even in our struggles our living standards are astonishingly better than the rest of the world's. It is hard to understand why some people are born into situations of comfort and ease while others struggle every day of their lives. I have come to empathize (to a small degree) with the frustration and anger that comes from feeling that life's not "fair." To feel like you cannot improve your situation is exceedingly difficult. But I am also learning that the purpose of this life isn't to achieve but to become. We are each born into life situations that will provide the adequate opportunities and testing for us to become what God intends.

I have also determined that when we have extra resources we will use them wisely and not frivolously. I cannot stand to see people waste money that could otherwise be used for more noble purposes. (Of course I have also learned the value of a little splurge now and then. A dinner out can restore my sanity. One of our favorites is the all-you-can-eat soup or salad and breadsticks at Olive Garden. I get the salad, David gets the soup and then we trade. We have a very nice dinner for just over $12!).

Through the past year I've often thought, "Let me quickly learn the things I need to so we can MOVE ON" (aka, start making some money). But at this point I can truly be grateful for the lessons I've learned and continue to recognize that my education is not complete.