In this time of austerity, it is important to be reminded of Jesus’ encouragement to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Jesus taught this through his story about a planned wedding. Ten virgins were supposed to walk with their oil-lamps burning during the ceremony.
Five of the virgins assumed that the bridal plans would run as scheduled, and only carried enough oil in their lamps that would last for the duration of their assignment. The other five hoped that everything would run as scheduled, but took additional oil just in case the plans failed.
We are living under the Government’s BERT plan. It was promoted as 18 months of severe austerity, and we have one year left. We were told to bear the suffering for the remaining 12 months and then all will be well. Given the general agreement that the BERT plan has been implemented with a high level of incompetence, we would be wise to plan for the worst regardless of our expectations.
After the initial set of layoffs during BERT’s first phase, Solutions Barbados offered free public workshops in starting and growing a successful business with no start-up money. We will hold additional free training workshops after the next set of mass layoffs during BERT’s second phase. As repeatedly explained during the training, you need to help your future self.
In 5 years, you can be trained to become anything you wish, and 5 years goes by very quickly. Therefore, you are well-advised to start your training now. This Christmas is an opportunity for spending on others. Please do not squander this opportunity.
Purchase gifts to help others to start or grow their business. If someone is a mason, then purchase a laser level to help increase productivity. Give gifts like additional memory for digital equipment, higher capacity tools, printer cartridges or fuel gift cards. Love your neighbours in this manner this Christmas.
Please resist the temptation to be foolish this Christmas. Jesus gave a ratio of 5 wise to 5 foolish. Given the pattern of shopping observed this Christmas, that ratio may hold true for us in Barbados. Why would anyone purchase a limited-use toy or ornament or drapes in a time of severe austerity? Why not purchase some tools for yourself and make a better toy, or a sewing machine and make better drapes?
How will an expensive necklace, bracelet, watch or pendant help someone to become more productive? We all need to wise up. Of course, all husbands are exempt from this criticism – their productivity depends on them spending foolishly. On behalf of the 17 candidates of Solutions Barbados, Merry Christmas.
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