Being prepared is always a valuable quality to possess as an individual or a nation. Companies are constantly looking for and planning the next idea to increase their profits and expand their business. For most people, the challenge has been keeping pace with the day-to-day responsibilities. Change seems to come at a faster rate as you get older, and the temptation to do nothing seems less stressful, but in the long run, more costly.
Some of us were taught as children to prepare a meal by washing our hands and laying out our clothes the night before school or church. Parents plan for their children’s college fund, personal expenses, and additionally, their final will. As a youth, I learned to make plans. If I saw an item at a department store that I wanted, I planned to acquire it by doing odd jobs in the neighborhood.
With all the constant life changes, there are a few things that you can hold on to firmly without them changing mid-stream. Sometimes, the career you planned to devote your life to is swallowed up by new technologies or artificial intelligence.
In these last days, living in California has compelled us to prepare as best we can for a significant crisis, such as earthquakes, fires, power outages, and now pandemics. Here in the Villages, we typically hold an annual earthquake preparedness drill for all residents in the event of an earthquake. It can be reassuring to adopt a Boy Scout motto mentality, “Be Prepared,” to guide your life. On the other hand, to live in a state of constant flux can be unnerving, to say the least.
Because of the uncertainty in society today, the statement, “Tomorrow isn’t promised,” has gained a great deal of validity. It’s clear that we prepare for our future in life, but we seldom plan for the afterlife. Being aware of the brevity of life, we should live in a state of readiness. Philippians 1:21 NKJV “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Please join us in celebrating Life at the Villages Community Chapel in Cribari Auditorium this Sunday at 10 a.m. to be encouraged by the Word of Life and enjoy coffee and cookies with friends. The chapel is a place where needs are met, faith is affirmed, and new friends are made. You can view our worship services on YouTube at www.villagescommunitychapel.vgcc.club