the upside of the downside

No doubt about it...we are in one of the biggest financial fiascos of the past century.  Mighty companies have crumbled under weak foundations of poor credit, the entire globe has seen the flow of money slow to a drip, unemployment is reaching levels unseen for years and personal investments and retirement accounts have dramatically dipped.  That's a lot of bad news.  This morning it occurred to me that there is some good news buried in there.  In a natural sense there will be reduction of inappropriate loans, an increase in saving versus credit spending and home prices may come down to the affordable range for many.  In a spiritual sense, when we see our earthly wealth diminish we may invest more in spiritual riches.  The problems, questions, needs and crises that spin out of this situation will cause many to turn to the Lord...some for the first time and many who may have given Him scant attention in recent years.  We may learn that we need to depend more on our heavenly portfolio than our earthly one.  In fact, we may discover that the only dependable treasure and the only investment that returns eternal benefit, heart peace and relationship growth is the one we make with our Heavenly Father.  I think of the words of John the Baptist in the book of John, chapter 3: verses 30-31 He must increase, but I must decrease.  He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. Perhaps it is necessary sometimes that we get a "cut back" in order for more healthy growth to begin!  (There is growing opportunity to show our love for one another as well, who are going through difficulties) blessings, Rob Smith