Reflections on Japan - Thoughts about Preparedness

So I'm sure that many of you, like me, have been glued to the news stations and internet updates about Japan today. So many thoughts swirl around in my head as I watch the videos and hear the news reports. There are family members locally that don't know the status of their loved ones in Japan, there are images of homes and cars being tossed around like a child's discarded toys, and there are the "other" disasters that just keep piling on top of one that should have been a stand alone tragedy. With my passion of helping others help themselves become more prepared - I'm at a loss here. I know that we are due for a BIG earthquake soon and have made sure that I am aware of the risks that I need to prepare for - make sure things are bolted to the wall, know where to go in our home that is a structurally sound place, know how to shut off the gas, have food and water on hand as well as ways to stay warm in the event of this type of disaster. From what I've heard, Japan, unlike many countries that have recently experienced earthquakes, was structurally prepared for an earthquake. Their buildings were somewhat still in tact and we probably wouldn't have seen the desolation that we've seen in other countries following earthquakes of lesser magnitude. What was far more devastating was the tsunami that hit as well as the nuclear power plants that pose a very serious risk to the survivors in the area. The question that comes to mind is how could these people have possibly been better prepared for this 1-2-3 punch? How can we be physically prepared for what we know will come in addition to the unknown?

I think the answer is that we can't. There is absolutely no way to physically be prepared for every unknown detail that can be thrown at us. I'm sure it is possible for those people in Japan to have lived on top of the mountains in the most structurally sound buildings and just not have power and then this disaster would not have been quite so devastating, but at some point you have to live your life and not be controlled by fear of the what ifs. So, what do we do? We prepare for life. We make good choices with the time we've been blessed with. We love and cherish our families. We develop talents and educate our minds. We develop a strong relationship with our Savior and share His love with all those we meet. Beyond that, we do what we can to meet our physical needs.

Here is what I've learned in the last few months. The concepts of preparedness actually help me live a simpler life where I can focus on the BIG things such as my kids and husband, developing the talents of the members of our family, being able to serve others as Jesus Christ would have me do, etc. Because I have a grocery store in my basement, I can whip up a dinner in 10 minutes after dance lessons. I can bring a treat to a friend having a hard day. I can nourish my family with very little effort. We are healthier and happier and are actually saving money. Learning how to communicate with alternate ways will allow me to comfort family members from all over the country regardless of what is going on. 72 hour kits, alternative cooking, etc, etc - this all allows me the ability to focus on the important things and not the menial needs. I have felt that being prepared is all about being prepared to live - now - not just in the event of an emergency. If we aren't applying and using these skills, we are really missing out on the blessings of this program.

When we are faced with our BIG one, whether it be an earthquake, loss of a spouse or family member, loss of a job, fire, flood, etc. - if we have been able to focus on family and our spiritual preparedness, we'll be more prepared than any amount of food or clothing could prepare us. So, I'm just throwing this thought out there: Maybe all of the physical preparedness is actually a means for us to be able to be spiritually and mentally prepared. It has become a lifestyle for me and it has brought a peace into my life. I have time and resources to focus on my family and service that I didn't have before. Maybe that is what it is actually all about.

As a side note, I opened a couple of cans of Freeze dried meat this week that I had stored for only 5 of the 25 years it is good for. Unfortunately - it was not edible. To purchase food just to store it does you NO good. Use it. Rotate it. Enjoy the blessings now!