Seeking Rest in this Period
I have experienced multiple inflationary periods during my adult life. I witnessed similar increases in housing, cars, food, gas, and other products. The National Bureau of Economic Research has a chart that reports recession periods in America by decades, from 1850 to 2009. Every decade there was a recession. The last two recessionary periods, the “Great Recession” beginning in the 4th Quarter of 2007, and the “COVID-19 Recession” that began in the 1st Quarter of 2020, are still lingering through the last 4-presidential terms.
It's a good sign to see that jobs are available and unemployment rates are low. With higher interest rates and the cost of goods and services this is definitely an inflationary period. As employment opportunities slow down and the price of goods, services, and interest rates remain high, then we are at a recessionary point. A recession is simply having less money to meet a human need.
The holidays are now upon us, and spending should be budgeted. Although, the season will be similar to many in the past. People will extend their credit cards to the limit and act as though there is no issue in our economy. While truly there are people that need shelter, food, and housing. I believe in giving away clothes I cannot wear anymore to the homeless man on the street–maybe a used blanket– or providing a meal, or just a cup of coffee with soup and a warm baked good. I believe this helps suspend the thoughts of inflation for a moment and blesses someone else (which is the spirit of the holiday season).
I believe the answer to seeking rest in this period is to mobilize the Millennial generation. Most of them have the tools to navigate through this period and captain the ship for the future. The engine of opportunities they master are awesome:
• The technological revolution continues to find ways to make money and move globally for resourceful needs that will stable our world.
• The environmental concern for energy sources that includes (air, water, soil, natural vegetation, and landforms) is a clear need for future survival.
• The health crisis has finally focused on obesity, heart disease, addiction/substance abuse, dementia, food safety (producers and associations), and the advancement of medicine and surgical operations I have witnessed are awesome.
As a Baby boomer, and father of Millennials, I recommend to enjoy the holiday season, but the goal should be to slash credit card debt, pay down student loans–which I hope the government continues to approve with paydown of this debt–create a spending plan (budget), consistently contribute to a retirement plan regardless of economic conditions, and look for ways to mentor those that need your expertise.
Finally, brethren, Seeking Rest in this Period, you must open your mind to understanding who Elohim “The Creator of All Things” is; pray and worship Him. A true relationship is having Elohim’s Holy Spirit in you. This is the greatest advice I can offer.
Delfred Rodgers (COO), M.B.A., B.A., SRA, AI-RRS
