Putting first things first

Two recent events--one significant and one inconsequential--caused me to think about priorities.

First, the inconsequential. Last night we watched the 2004 TV mini-series "Category 6" about massive storms combining to wipe most of Chicago off the map. Not the best movie I've seen--far from it. But it made me ponder things:

--Are Melba and I fully prepared should a natural or man-made disaster hit the NW?
--How's our food storage? Our 72 hour kit? Backup power source?
--With relief I concluded that we're in OK shape--not perfect but alright:
*We have about 3-4 months emergency food storage
*We have 72 hour kits packed and ready to go, although it's time to replenish items that are nearing their expiration date
*Our generator works fine--we ran it earlier this year during the one day power outage caused by a wind storm. We keep 6 gallons of gasoline on hand but probably should keep triple that in case service station pumps don't work.

Second, the significant. I played the piano yesterday at a memorial service for a man I had only met once and did the same for his wife who passed away two years ago. At times like this I start thinking about spiritual preparedness and asking myself if I am ready for whatever challenges might come my way down the road. Here are my conclusions:

--I am stronger spiritually today than I was five years ago. I study and ponder the scriptures; I pray morning and night and often in-between. I ask the Lord each day to show me who He would like me to help. I try hard to be true to the covenants I have made with the Lord and with Melba and to repent quickly. Can I do better? You bet and will work on that.

--I am more resilient than I used to be. There is something about life's "speed bumps" that builds mental and emotional strength. When Melba had her first bout of cancer in 1993 I was a basket case--a tower of Jello. Subsequent experiences with cancer--another for her and one for me--plus an accumulation of various aches and pains we experience as part of the aging process have somehow tempered and strengthened me. It's odd but true that as my physical condition slowly wanes due to the effects of just living longer, my inner spirit--my real self--the eternal part of me is getting stronger, more vibrant, and, hopefully, more of what the Lord wants me to me.

The point I want to make is that it is important to not just think about today or tomorrow but to look down life's road well beyond the "100 meter mark" and ask ourselves:

--Who do I want be in 10, 20, or 30 years from now?
--Every day I plant "seeds" for my tomorrows--will I like the eventual harvest?
--Am I prepared both temporally and spiritually for whatever the future might bring?

Ultimately, I think the answer lies in putting "first things first" and not to be involved in the "thick of thin things".