Love Floats

Obama’s Facebook post today:

“Today, there are more women in America's workforce than ever before, and their contributions are vital to the success of our economy. They have tirelessly balanced responsibilities to work, family, and community, strengthening our economic leadership and enriching our national life.”

My comment:

“We are not tireless. We are exhausted.”

I can cite all the reasons and my personal complaints. The economy tanked. Layoffs escalated, fear gripped our souls, and bullying bosses took advantage of the situation, throwing humanity overboard sinking ships, keeping the bare minimum and cheapest employees and overloading them with excessive and unreasonable responsibilities. I make less than I did at age 29 and it costs five times as much to fill up my gas tank. Even with two incomes we struggle to live within our means, and must take side work to pay for extras like tires, property taxes, and home repairs. And we don’t have minor children at home – no soccer fees, cheerleader uniforms, or daycare costs. Self-employed people have it worse as health insurance costs are skyrocketing. A self-employed friend of mine can’t afford insurance, had a heart attack, and now can’t work. I’d love to lower my expenses. But my home is worth $150,000 less than I paid for it, and selling it now is like giving that money to the bank. And I’m one of the lucky ones who still has two incomes and hasn’t had to foreclose. Anyone feeling me here?

Do I feel my contribution is “strengthening our economic leadership and enriching our national life?” No. I feel like I’m putting band-aids on the Titanic, and I sink further every year. I think most of us understand how we got here, but we don’t know how to patch up the ship. How do we find happiness in our sinking dreams? My faith gives me a larger perspective, and helps me remember that life on earth is just tent camping. I can still love, care, laugh, and help others. It’s hard to let go of the expectation that success is possible with hard work. I guess I need to redefine success. No matter the obstacles, love is a choice. To love well is to be successful.

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.

―The Bible : 1 Corinthians 13:4