DON’T GIVE UP

Don’t get discouraged. Don’t lose hope. Things will turn around. This too shall pass. I constantly have to repeat these things to myself, but it sure is hard to keep the chin up. The job search has continued and interview after interview still leads to nowhere; however, there has been one consolation--I still have that 15-hour a week job and now get to work some additional hours every week. Jonathan is also having enormous difficulty landing a job and it really takes great human strength for me to tell him those same reminders.

In the Believing God series, the concept of miracles is discussed. The Old and New Testament is full of signs and wonders. Wonders never cease--we just tend to believe our own eyes and not the fact that God can do what He says He can do. Beth Moore says it all, “The world is in desperate need of a true spiritual awakening. The church is in desperate need of great revival. Believers are in desperate need of a fresh infusion of faith. Beloved, we need some miracles.” After going through this particular part of the lessons, I decided that it would take a miracle for us to find suitable employment.

Call it bad karma or bad luck, but it seems like everything that Jonathan does or touches goes south and only a creative writer could possibly come up with some of the predicaments Jonathan gets into, and I seemingly have to resolve. Although not always his fault, and I would have to admit some culpability in a few of the outcomes, Jonathan has a tendency to not consider the consequences of his actions until it’s too late. Have you ever heard of anybody having two different cars impounded within a month’s time? Well, you have now. (Automobiles are a sore subject with me on many levels, so don’t get me started.) As you recall, last month Jonathan’s vehicle was stolen and tow charges were paid. Unbeknownst to me, he traded this car for another one from his friend. Another relic. Will spare you the ludicrous details, but suffice it to say, this week I spent a day down in San Diego County discussing the matter at the Police Department and the tow yard. After weighing all the options, Jonathan no longer is the proud owner of any motor vehicle. The only cost will be a traffic ticket.

Have tried to instill in my son to do what is right, but he has his own mindset and after going round and round with this kid, I finally said, “I think God is trying to tell you something.” Jonathan was thinking the same thing. Spent some quality time talking. Jonathan is trying to get into shape so helped him shop for a better selection of groceries. Since I was in the area, considered paying a surprise visit to some special people and get a tour of their new digs (residence and business) but some people don’t relish surprises and the surprise could have been on me--they might not have been there. However, it was getting too late anyway, so headed on home.

That night I watched an episode of an old Andy Griffith show. Opie received a straight A report card from his teacher. They all made a fuss over him, and Andy was so proud that he bought Opie a bicycle. Unfortunately, Miss Crump erred in transposing the grades and gave Opie his corrected report card. There was an “F” in math. Opie saw the bike but kept his mouth shut. Miss Crump apologized to Andy for the mistake which caught him off guard. Andy was upset and went home to confront Opie and found the runaway note. Andy found Opie walking and asked him why he was running away. Opie told Andy about his grades and had said nothing because he didn’t want his dad to be disappointed in him. Opie said he would come home when his dad could be proud of him again. With a look of embarrassment, Andy said he was proud of Opie for just being his son. Wow, did that smack me right between the eyes! Realized I would have trouble admitting I was proud of Jonathan because of all the things he has done and put me through. In that moment I felt shame and had to tell Jonathan that I was proud to have him as my son.


NEWSFLASH---Well, after yesterday afternoon, I definitely can say, “Yes, miracles do happen.” Excuse my grammar, but Debbie done got herself a decent, good paying job with a college district; yes, I said college, and not just an entry level position! Since I don’t like to commute will consider relocating, but will worry about that down the road.


Now, could we have at least one more miracle please?