Positive Thinking...

So recently I've been trying to see the positives that could possibly come from this whole unemployment problem in Michigan, there have been SO many friends and family that have been affected by losing their jobs, including ourselves last summer when Shawn was "let go" from his job and we were living (barely) on unemployment checks for 5 long months and paying ridiculous amounts of money for full coverage insurance (about $1400/month) but somehow God answered our prayers and Shawn finally landed a great job with Perrigo of Holland. Although I am grateful for Shawn's job it's hard to think of it as being a fully secure job, since it seems like that doesn't exist right now, everyone seems to be "walking on eggshells" every single day, hoping and praying that they wake up with a job. As for the positive thinking there has been one major "positive" I've noticed when it comes to married couples who have or are going through the hard situation of unemployment, they are working TOGETHER in a way that is strengthening their relationship like I've never seen before. Looking back, Shawn and I never appreciated each other as much as we did during those 5 months of "making ends meet" and it made us work together in such a different, powerful way that I just can't even explain. Losing a job is one thing, but when you have someone in the family with a chronic health issue and you lose insurance coverage it's a totally different experience, it's scary. The couples with children and/or health conditions that I have witnessed go through this unemployment devastation are some of the most inspirational people to me, they never fully lose hope and if anything having their spouse and children there give them the strength and determination needed to keep moving, rather than simply giving up. I pray that this economy starts showing improvements soon and that the people impacted by this tough situation come out on top, as stronger, more grateful people. I pray for everyone who is struggling during this horrible time, it seems like nearly everyone is in fact struggling one way or another and above all I pray that we will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel very very soon. My eyes have been opened to just how bad it has become out there and it makes me even more grateful to be able to remain a stay-at-home-mom, even though I could really use a raise :)
God bless!
Sarah