Why the Recession is Over

In general I avoid talking about or even making mention of the economy, especially when discussion of it tends to invite whining and tales of woe. But tonight I felt compelled to make a very important point on it -- a point that I have yet to hear anyone else make.

Last summer I picked up a decade-old book written by Peter Lynch called "Learn to Earn." The title really doesn't fit the book, but it was a very informative and enjoyable read nonetheless. In it, Lynch discusses the Great Depression and recessions in general.

And he noted something very interesting about recessions:

The average one lasts only 11 months. The longest ones lasted only 16 months. I believe the recession we had been in since December 2007 ended in April 2009.

Let history be your guide on this, as it's rarely wrong. The sky isn't falling, and we are certainly not entering a depression.

Opportunity is everywhere, all the time. In the midst of all the doom and gloom, McDonald's increased their income each consecutive quarter since the recession started. Kellogg's net income did the same. And Heinz had three consecutive growth quarters since the recession started.

Instead of being negative, worrying, and complaining, find the opportunities and seize them. My company, Christian Financial Freedom, specializes in locating and carefully reviewing the best business opportunities available for entrepreneurs. The good news is that there has never been a time when a good, solid business opportunity was not available.

The economy is going through a rough patch, but it is doing what normal, healthy economies do: operating in a cycle. If you're focusing on which direction the cycle is heading, you need to take a step back and get the bigger picture. Perspective is power.

Ben Piper is the founder of Christian Financial Freedom (www.ChristianFinancialFreedom.com)