Musings by Melissa

Honestly, my life hasn’t changed much since the economy has taken a big turn for the worse.  I’ve always tried to pinch a penny while enjoying life at the same time.  So, when people complain about only getting to eat out once or twice a month, I think, “And that’s something new?!?”  We’ve always eaten off-brands and picked up meat that expires tomorrow because it’s cheaper and I can cook it today or freeze it for later.  We’ve almost always dabbled a little bit in gardening, at least enough to eat fresh veggies in the summer months.  I don’t think we’ve ever had cable.  And cereal is a “treat” for our kids.  (They’re used to homemade muffins or scrambled eggs for breakfast.)

So no, aside from our retirement funds dropping quite drastically, this recession has not really affected me much at all.

However, I can see the affects on my husband.  I know that in the back of his mind he worries about trying to find another job if his office is down-sized out the door.  I can see the stress on his face sometimes, and he’s got quite a bit of seniority at his job.  He hates job hunting, and the thought of going through an Executive job search or any other type of job search at this point in life does not appeal to him at all.  (I must say that I am not worried at all about this possibility.  His job is fairly secure.)

So, what’s a wife to do when her husband is stressed about something that likely won’t happen?  The same thing she’s supposed to do when things are going well!  Be loving, supporting, and kind.  Be the help-meet that God created her to be.  Encourage him when he’s down.  Pray for him and his job. 

No, it’s not always easy.  Especially when stress causes tempers to flare.  But this, too, shall pass.