keeping upright

Life feels like this picture at the moment, though as with most metaphors, it has its limits. I'm attempting to navigate the vessel of my life through uncertain winds and through choppy waters. As of this moment (in the picture), I'm maintaining equilibrium. Conditions are favorable, but challenging. The scenery is fabulous. I'm outfitted appropriately against the elements. My wits, my attention, my experience, my willingness to be aboard and providence are what keep me upright. It's tiring. And conditions can change at any moment (favorably or otherwise!)

We are facing many challenges at home. The combination of last year's misfortunes (my loss of income, the economy, a client of Ken's who didn't pay a significant bill) leave us scrambling now. We are not ahead of the game, and the options available to us are disheartening. Ken says he's tired of fighting against the odds to keep his business functioning. I'm juggling making payments on bills. Somewhere in an online article I was reading about how to improve your credit rating. It suggested cutting back on luxuries and making bigger payments toward credit card debt. I laughed. Luxuries? There is no discretionary income. We haven't seen luxury in I don't know how long.

There are people better off than us, and certainly, these days, there are people far worse off. On the continuum of struggle, I venture we're about in the middle. It is what it is and we are where we are.

From my perspective we hold on, we pray, and we work toward and anticipate a shift in our favor. But Ken is discouraged, weary and does not appear to see the possibility for hope that I feel in my heart.

So I ask your prayers.

For all who suffer in this economy.

For favor to fall on Ken's business.

For Ken's spirits.

For strength, patience and wisdom for me as I keep him company during these "for poorer" and "for worse" days.

For prosperity for our nation.

I'd really like to sail in the kind of circumstances that allow me to revel in the experience. I pray that day comes sooner than later.