THE UNEXPECTED

It is wise to prepare for the unexpected. This might mean having some savings if possible, for the unforeseen money issues… we all know about that. But there are other kinds preparation that are wise that do not seem to be American values.

We need wisdom to plan for adverse breaks into our normal life patterns. Some countries like Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, etc.… have common and normal advance drills for calamity and trouble… like bombs, earthquakes, floods, fires, tornadoes, tsunamis, or dust storms. Not living in fear but being prepared. They actually have drills to practice and promote possible heat stroke, heart attacks and care from dehydration… etc. There is something in our ‘long peace’ that causes a resistance to making plans for unexpected calamities, and this includes food, water, medicine, transportation, important documents and other essentials.

We do not choose to live spooked out but neither do we want to live in delusion or be naïve. Stuff happens that we did not plan. This reasoning is why we carry a spare tire in our vehicles.

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil.” Jesus