Six days or six months or six years. Being underemployed or unemployed drains our soul. We are created to be “his workmanship.” To do work that is meaningful and brings you not only financial rewards but uses your skills is a thing of delight. Many people never experience the joy of fitting their goals and desires to their employment and turn to their family, hobbies, and friends to help them tolerate work. But what if your identity is about work? What if there is no family. No spouse. Then work is a bigger part of your identity. Being alone daily is something we all need and seldom receive. Extended unemployment is lonely. Plain and simple. We desire time alone and yet we need people. When everyone is excited to have a three day weekend off, vacation and holidays, I grieved because it was just like every day before and after that. Being “off” is wonderful and painful. You can fill your days with projects and communication. You have the ability to cook good and healthy food. You can exercise and enjoy your home. You can look for work diligently. But the sorrow in your heart wears on you and the cries of my mind caused me to say “How long, O Lord?” I still do not know. One more Holiday is passing being unemployed. One more week. One more Friday.
Psalms 13: 1-2 “How long, O Lord? Wilt thou forget me forever? How long will Thou hide Thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?” NAS
How can you encourage your family or friends when they are unemployed? How can you reach out to them? What can you do to help them? What do you need when you are unemployed?
