Broke

Like many Americans, the economy has hit our family hard. My husband is in the oil and gas industry and things have tanked for his business pretty badly over the last year. I went grocery shopping today and came home BROKE! I've been thinking since then about the meaning of the word "broke". I've determined that the word has come to mean something other than our bank account being depleted. Having no money doesn't necessarily make you poor. I'm not poor because I have a loving family and lots of friends who are kind and generous and love me in spite of my bank account. I am, however, broke! There are so many meanings of the word but lately, I've realized that struggling to keep our home going on considerably less income has made me feel like my spirit is "broke" and my attitude is "broke" and my relationships will be "broke" if I don't tend to them with all the care I can muster!

I started thinking about how long something has to be "broke" before it's fixed. I thought about when my microwave was "broke". I fixed that sucker as quickly as I could because it has become a necessary and valuable appliance in my home. However, I have two drawers that are "broke" and have been for a couple of months. I haven't been able to find the right drawers to replace them and so my cabinets have empty holes where the drawers should be.

What have I learned by pondering this word all day?? I understand that being "broke" is okay for a while...that I'll be un-broke in time. I also understand that feeling "broke" is an attitude! I can choose to feel good about the things that ARE good in my life. I'll admit, I will still feel "broke" (probably a lot) until our finances are in better shape. But hopefully, prayerfully, I'll remember that being "broke" doesn't mean I am poor!