Avoiding bailout fallout

News of the auto package failing in the Senate last night undoubtedly has thousands of families dependent on the auto industry for employment wondering about their future.

It’s a tough situation for laborers, policymakers and industry leaders to navigate. No one wants to lose their job. Everyone who wants to work deserves an opportunity to put their talents to use and earn a reliable income.

Economic times are demanding more out of corporate leaders to run businesses that are lean, efficient, profitable and progressive. In the stream-lining process, thousands of employees are being laid-off to lighten operations.

“What about the future of these released employees?” I ask. “How will they be cared for?”

It helps to have a spiritual perspective in times like this. For the worker who put their trust, heart and soul into working for a credible corporation, and suddenly loses their job through no fault of their own, times can seem very unfair. It might be tempting to pin blame on executives and leaders at the top for poor management, or even blame oneself for not reading the handwriting on the wall. But blame never helps or heals. It fosters resentment and ill-will which only depress outlook.

The more productive route to walk is to keep one’s thinking so clear of negative reaction and emotion that a clear path to a better job is seen.

God is our employer. We work for God, the Master planner of the universe that has a niche prepared for each of us. It's a demonstrable truth that the one Mind coordinates the activities of our economic life and keeps us profitably employed.

Recently, a friend was laid-off from a major industry in this country, just like hundred of thousands of others are being laid-off. At first, the family was overrun with fear about their financial future. But with a quick reminder that God was his employer and God kept His workers fully employed, he let his fear go, and two days later, through what seemed to be a miraculous turn of events, an even better job was offered to him.

Limited human sense interprets the divine direction according to its understanding of the moment.

In one era, the interpretation may come in the form of “I’m supposed to make brakes.” But if the need for brakes disappears, it doesn’t mean God’s need of that person’s skills dries up. It means it’s time to go higher and listen for fresh direction and new inspiration.

A new human niche for expressing talent and skill is going to open up. And we need to keep in mind that the talent and skill we’re endowed with isn’t so much about “making brakes,” in this case, as it is being creative, adaptable, flexible, wise, amenable and thoughtful.

God is not concerned with whether we make brakes, attach power lines, or enter data. God’s focus is in spiritual qualities expressed. We can express God’s qualities of wisdom and creativity in any number of various human niches.

Over time, and as economic demands change, we’re all going to be asked to change and adapt in different ways according to the needs of the day. This is not new.

To advance the fastest, its best to keep one’s thought filled with love, joy and gratitude. These graces of divine Love keep our view open to where the divine finger is pointing, and lead us to greener pastures.

With God's help, we can avoid fallout from the bailouts.