Putting Things Into Perspective
We've been quietly watching the markets in recent days. The predictable flurry of manic depressive activity that accompanies it doesn't really add anything to what should be evident. The commentators have swung from panic to elation and back again.
One day the sky is falling: A bear market may be approaching. Look out!
The next there's a happy rally where a hint of resumption of the bull market in stocks is offered.
A subsequent fall, especially that of the last few days, now brings out the "bargain hunters."
What to make of it all?
I have no answer for that. Well, actually, the answer would be to follow our discipline. When that indicates selling this or that we do and will. When it doesn't we sit tight. The struggle there: avoid emotional swings as best as possible and don't make decisions in the depths of despair or the rush of happy adrenaline.
Do you have an answer? Or do you just allow yourself to be tugged this way and that?
Whatever your situation, a reminder: It's Christmas Eve. It's time to turn down the burners, to decompress, to take a step back. Think of what's really going on. It's time to celebrate the birth of Christ if you're Christian. If not, then for you it might be time to get into the "Christmas Spirit" I suppose.
An different and unwelcome perspective to all this has been added for our family. Our son is very sick. He's in ICU. We've been spending much of our time with him as he lies in a medically induced coma. If you need anything to put the market turmoil into perspective, I assure you this is it.
I hope you're not facing anything even close to this. If you find it in your heart, please pray for him.
Through it all, we've tried to keep Advent and, now Christmas as best we can. It's not easy, but it's important. In fact, his room is much more joyfully decorated than our home. We've simply had no time to put much up but a few bare essentials. But that's OK. We'll be with him today and throughout the Christmas Season praying that he survives, then praying for his complete recovery, however long that takes. (And, if it even happens, it could take a very long time.)
When we post our "Merry Christmas" tomorrow, know that it's sincere and heartfelt. Keep Christmas as you can, as shall we.
I expect next year will bring more drama. Today it was reported that the Treasury Secretary gathered the heads of the major banks to "discuss" what's going on. They likely suspect something other than smooth sailing ahead.
Just as we've had to do our best to get rest and nourishment to face whatever awaits us with our son, so too all of us should get some rest and physical, emotional, and the spiritual nourishment we can experience during the impending joyful Christmas Season.
He came into the world to save us all. Allow Him into be born this Christmas into your hearts.
One day the sky is falling: A bear market may be approaching. Look out!
The next there's a happy rally where a hint of resumption of the bull market in stocks is offered.
A subsequent fall, especially that of the last few days, now brings out the "bargain hunters."
What to make of it all?
I have no answer for that. Well, actually, the answer would be to follow our discipline. When that indicates selling this or that we do and will. When it doesn't we sit tight. The struggle there: avoid emotional swings as best as possible and don't make decisions in the depths of despair or the rush of happy adrenaline.
Do you have an answer? Or do you just allow yourself to be tugged this way and that?
Whatever your situation, a reminder: It's Christmas Eve. It's time to turn down the burners, to decompress, to take a step back. Think of what's really going on. It's time to celebrate the birth of Christ if you're Christian. If not, then for you it might be time to get into the "Christmas Spirit" I suppose.
An different and unwelcome perspective to all this has been added for our family. Our son is very sick. He's in ICU. We've been spending much of our time with him as he lies in a medically induced coma. If you need anything to put the market turmoil into perspective, I assure you this is it.
I hope you're not facing anything even close to this. If you find it in your heart, please pray for him.
Through it all, we've tried to keep Advent and, now Christmas as best we can. It's not easy, but it's important. In fact, his room is much more joyfully decorated than our home. We've simply had no time to put much up but a few bare essentials. But that's OK. We'll be with him today and throughout the Christmas Season praying that he survives, then praying for his complete recovery, however long that takes. (And, if it even happens, it could take a very long time.)
When we post our "Merry Christmas" tomorrow, know that it's sincere and heartfelt. Keep Christmas as you can, as shall we.
I expect next year will bring more drama. Today it was reported that the Treasury Secretary gathered the heads of the major banks to "discuss" what's going on. They likely suspect something other than smooth sailing ahead.
Just as we've had to do our best to get rest and nourishment to face whatever awaits us with our son, so too all of us should get some rest and physical, emotional, and the spiritual nourishment we can experience during the impending joyful Christmas Season.
He came into the world to save us all. Allow Him into be born this Christmas into your hearts.
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