Everything I write is about doing things for ourselves, simply and frugally---things that will help us become more self-sufficient each day---ways to make us less reliant on commercial products and services. The saying goes that it wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark. We want to be ready before our need arises.
More than likely, with the way our world is getting crazier and crazier day by day, sometime (unfortunately, but probably, sooner than later) we are going to wake up to the necessity of being totally self-sufficient and self-sustaining. . .long term. Something as relatively simple and localized as a severe storm or accident that damages our utilities and our highways would deplete our stores in no time---for the short term.
Our government estimates the average time for services to be restored following a disaster is three days. This could be a very long 72 hours! It would be great if I am wrong, but can it hurt to be prepared in case I am right?
Watch for future What If . . .? topics ---These important posts, of simple things you can do to prepare, could save your family's life!
I don't know the author of the story that follows; what I do know is it is a story with a powerful message for all of us.
Can You Sleep When the Wind Blows?"
A young man applied for a job as a farmhand. When the farmer asked for his qualifications, he said, "I can sleep when the wind blows." This puzzled the farmer. But he liked the young man, and hired him.
A few days later, the farmer and his wife were awakened in the night by a violent storm. They quickly began to check things out to see if all was secure. They found that the shutters of the farmhouse had been securely fastened. A good supply of logs had been set next to the fireplace.
The young man slept soundly. The farmer and his wife then inspected their property. They found that the farm tools had been placed in the storage shed, safe from the elements. The tractor had been moved into the garage. The barn was properly locked. Even the animals were calm. All was well.
The farmer then understood the meaning of the young man's words, "I can sleep when the wind blows." Because the farmhand did his work loyally and faithfully when the skies were clear, he was prepared for the storm when it broke. So when the wind blew, he was not afraid. He could sleep in peace.
The story about the young farmhand illustrates a principle that is often overlooked about being prepared for various events that occur in life. There was nothing dramatic or sensational in the young farm hand's preparations -- he just faithfully did what was needed each day.
Consequently, peace was his, even in a storm.
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