(Originally published September 23)
This evening, I was reading a Web site that featured questions and answers about the current economic crisis in America.
One question was from a 31-year-old man who asked the expert whether this stock market crisis could be good for him in the long run, since he got to “buy cheap” into his 401(k). The expert replied that history would say “yes,” but “the current financial mess is like nothing that’s ever happened before.”
Late this afternoon, a friend called and asked me what I think about the financial crisis. I told him that all I know is to have faith in America and trust God. What other choice do I have?
Friends, let’s be honest. Most of you reading this did not live through the Great Depression, and neither did I. We do not know much about financial chaos in America. We certainly have no idea what the future holds, and I write this column sitting in my barn apartment, 30 yards away from the construction site of my new home, wondering a little just how stupid it might be to build a new home in the midst of such a financial crisis.
I honestly believe that we average Americans have no idea how bad things really are. I do think that, if it were not real serious, the government wouldn’t be stepping in so quickly to bail out the large financial institutions. And, to be honest, does anyone really know whether the Bush Administration’s proposal will work? Even the Treasury secretary admits that he can’t guarantee it will work. Some members of Congress are even urging their colleagues to take the time to consider alternative solutions, whereas others warn that we can’t afford to wait. I think that our leaders are very, very worried right now.
My retirement account is depressing to look at. When I refinanced the ranch debt several years ago, I borrowed some extra money and put it into the stock market, expecting it to grow at 10 to 12 percent for several years; the Federal Land Bank loan was only 6 percent, so I figured I could grow the ranch out of debt via the stock market, and I have made monthly contributions since then, working toward that goal.
I tell myself that, if things get really bad, I can just sell enough land to get out of debt and keep the rest, but by then the reality may be that no one has the money to buy me out. Yet the insulation crew will be here early in the morning, and construction will go on. What else can any of us do except go on with our lives?
I have decided, though, that there is one thing I can do that makes sense to me as a Christian. Enjoy each day I am given on this earth by God, and treasure my friends and family and life’s surprises.
Tonight, Loretta and I walked down and fed the goats, and I caught two new babies – twins, a billy kid and a nanny kid who screamed to high heaven as I held them.
We watched two deer walk up the fence line.
We enjoyed watching Mother’s cat, Pretty Face, play outside the barn, getting used to her new home.
I finished a TBC membership newsletter, which you will receive shortly if you are a member (if you are not a member, we would love for you to join; it’s our members who pay the bills and keep us operating).
Loretta read a book that Mother gave her yesterday, and we spent a little time looking at the lights of San Angelo, 12 miles away.
And I mostly just thought about how blessed I am to be a Christian and know that, no matter what happens, I am loved and saved and secure in Jesus. That is, very simply, what I feel and believe, and it gives me comfort, no matter the circumstances. I hope you feel loved and secure as well, because you are free in Christ, no matter what happens to our economy. And friends, when all’s said and done, that’s really what matters.