Grasshopper and the Ants

So I have been thinking a lot about the economy. Really who hasn't. Over the last year, millions have lost their jobs. My husband included. What started out as "Things will be OK" has turned into "They are just things". Although it is very liberating to know that in a months time I have only spent money on bills and food, it is also somewhat scary to know that as Christmas approaches...well it is definitely going to be different.

I remembered recently the fable of the grasshopper and the ants. The grasshopper plays and plays and the ants work and work. Not only do they play and work but they are somewhat nagging each other as they do it. The grasshopper refuses to acknowledge that winter is coming and the ants refuse to take a day off, working their little antenna to nubs (or something like that). Winter comes quickly and catches the grasshopper "off guard" while the ants are prepared, warm and happy. The grasshopper begs the ants to let him in and they refuse and rebuke him for his idleness and he dies.

I personally like the nicer version of this fable in that the ants have pity on the grasshopper and help him repent by giving him jobs to "pay" his way to staying with the ants and sharing in their hard work. So here is what I have been thinking about...lots of us were playing the "grasshopper" roll. We refused to heed the warnings for the impending gloom and doom. Tomorrow, I will stock my food storage, save extra cash and get out of debt. . .Tomorrow is a long time away. . .we don't have to worry because it is tomorrow. I believe there were a few smart "ants" that paid attention to the signs and warnings and "followed the Prophet". So now I have spent time in the cold (so to speak) and I am repentent. I want to be with the ants, maybe let them embrace me and tell me it will be ok. Maybe they will allow me the privilege to warm myself at their good choices and forgive me of my foolishness.

I am grateful for the few wise choices that I did make. Jaxon asked the other day if we were done eating food storage cause he is not sold on this food concept. He really likes food for anyone who doesn't know that. Good thing he likes mac n cheese and ramen noodles. My little home is cozy not extravigant or showy. Heats for less and has a managable payment. I have an education that although I have to leave my "little people", they will be fed by my hard work.

I am exceptionally grateful for the little blessings everyday that help me to understand that the Lord loves me and is mindful of my needs. He forgives me for my foolish ways and allows me to show him that I can change. Indeed this has been a long winter. . . and I am looking forward to the warmth that I hope the spring might bring.