Wake-up Call

At breakfast this morning our family was talking about joy.  I've been struggling this week with being in a sort of mental funk- wanting to complain about everything and definitely not exhibiting joy.  It came in handy as I was able to use myself as the example to the kids of what happens when a person lacks gratitude.  Ha.

Anyway (moving on), it was a good conversation to have today because an hour or so later I found myself at our local government office inquiring about what is available for those who weren't able to graduate from high school and want to finish their high school education.  Even remedial jobs like janitorial, fast food, etc. require the employee to have completed high school and in most cases they must be working on secondary education to be employed in these jobs.

Education is highly valued here.  Most people cannot expect to get far with anything short of a bachelor's degree and in many cases, a master's degree.  And for the many who are unable to finish even their high school education due to lack of finances or other circumstances it is difficult to find the resources to complete their schooling even as adults.

I've discovered a program that will assist those in this category, however it is proving very difficult to find the right information from an individual who is willing to divulge it and I feel so sorry for anyone trying to do this without the resources I have available to me.  My heart aches for a friend who I'm trying to assist.  How would they ever be able to do this on their own?

It was the swift kick in the seat of the pants that I needed after my week of malcontent.

How dare I refuse to count blessings or turn a blind eye to those I could bless?

 "Give me back the joy that comes from being saved by you. 

      Give me a spirit that obeys you. That will keep me going."

Psalm 51:12 (NIrV)