Today, I was informed that my long term substitute teacher contract was ending in a few days. I have been a sub for the past 4 years. I worked in a new classroom or school every year for an entire school year. And, this will be the first time I will not be completing an entire year.
“When one door closes another door opens, but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” ~Alexander Graham Bell
I’m not saddened by this news though. For months, I felt like I was rushing through everything in the evenings and losing lots of sleep. I also had no time to work out, like I need to, in order to remain diabetes-free. I actually said a prayer this weekend and told God I needed a break so I could give my business the care and attention it needed.
Revelations 3:8 “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”
Now that my prayers have been answered, I’ve got work to do. I’m going to be intentional and walk through this door that God has opened for me. I also want to make sure my husband and I remain close during my unemployment, because the stress that can arise during this time is enough to tear a couple apart.
If you and your spouse are dealing with the same thing, here are a few things to focus on that will help you grow closer together as a couple during your time of unemployment.
1 – Focus On Faith…Together
Get your daily devotion time back on track. If you are like me, having a relationship with God is paramount to your daily dealings. Check out First5, an app from Proverbs31 Ministries that provides daily devotions. It takes 5 minutes to get through the devotion. Pray for your husband and yourself to be on one accord in all aspects, especially financially.
2 – Focus On Intimacy…Together
Have sex and plenty of it! Honestly, this is truly the best stress reliever. Use it as a time to reconnect. Snuggle and talk afterwards. Allow yourself to be vulnerable. Share your fears and concerns. Allow your spouse to do the same with no judgements.
3 – Focus On Health…Together
Hubby and I meet at the gym and flirt with each other. Get that exercise in, even in the cold months. Go for walks together. Bundle up, put your gloves on and head outside. We have the best conversations when we go for a walk and we often put in 3 to 4 miles easily.
Read The Do’s and Don’ts When Dealing with Unemployment in a Relationship
4 – Focus On Goals…Together
Go over your money while listening to old school music. This keeps the mood light, while you are bopping your head and crunching numbers. This is the time to come clean about credit cards and mystery money that has been spent that they don’t know about. I had to do this and it made it easier to plan our next steps. We love Jodeci, so anytime we have a serious conversation, we queue up K-Ci and JoJo – oooh Yeah.
5 – Focus On Ways To Save…Together
Plan meals and grocery shop together. We decided we will prepare our lunches together, weekly. This is will help hubby save money instead of buying from the cafeteria during the work day. No longer will we run out during the week to pick up this or that for dinner. This adds up quickly.
My contract ending was the best thing that could have happened to me at this particular time in my life. I’m very excited about this lapse in employment because I know God can and will open doors for my business. 2017 is going to be a great year for my marriage.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~1st Peter 5:7
BMWK – Unemployment can be very stressful on a marriage, how can couples support each during times of unemployment?