Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times. Do you agree with the adage?

It’s been evidenced in history, I’d venture. That the lean years bring out the hardiest of stock, while in times of feast even the strong grow fat in the absence of real hardship.

Our forbears saw the hard times. I remember listening to my grandfather talk about how everything he owned he had to keep in a cigar box because he never knew when they’d have to leave because they weren’t able to afford the rent. They’d have to leave in the middle of the night.

I remember him telling me how they’d all clean their plates because they didn’t know when their next meal would be. And how that hardscrabble education drove him in life. That he vowed his family would never grow hungry, and he’d never be forced to leave his belongings behind again.

My grandfather was a strong man. And he made good for his family.

But I fear the lessons his generation learned the hard way might have to be learned again.
I hope that I learned enough from them to be able to get my family through what’s to come.

What do you think lies ahead?