Hard Times

2010 has been a difficult year for so many people. 

Personally, my family has been struggling financially as my husband has been out of work for five months now.  We have been limping along but our rent will go up by about $300 this December. So, we may be looking at giving up our beloved rental home of four years and seriously downgrading.  But I am grateful for the roof over our heads, the food on our table, the clothes on our backs, our health and each other.

Yesterday, a dear friend contacted me about the dissolution of his marriage. It absolutely broke my heart. This the FIFTH close friend that has gone through this in 2010.  Three of those individuals were my bridal attendents.  One of the failed marriages is of the godparents of my child. 

It is a good reminder for me to make sure I let my husband know how much I love and appreciate him.  In the hard times, it is easy to let stress, exhaustion, frustration and resentment take over.  In the good times, we can get so busy that we neglect each other and take each other for granted.  We need to remember to tell the people in our lives how important they are to us and how much we love and appreciate them. This may not solve all the problems in all of our relationships but it IS important.

The holidays are right around the corner.  I'm going to make an extra special effort to focus on the things I am thankful for this November. In December, I'm going to remember the greatest gifts in my life.  The ones that don't cost money or come in brightly wrapped packages. 

And on December 31, I'm going to hope for a Happy New Year in 2011 that will bring better things for the people I care about.