Stock up. Save up. Plan ahead. Weather the storm. Be prepared.
These are all statements that we hear expressed from time to time. It is a good rule of practice to be ready for emergencies or other unforeseen events. Not every event or possible event you may be prepared for will happen. Some of the older readers will remember “Y2K.” The projected problems was that computers would quit working when the year 2000 turned on their internal clocks. Commerce would cease, electric grids would fail, and digital devices (even back then) would stock working. That was the fear. It did not happen, but many people were ready.
But many things that are preventable or can be planned for do happen. Without living with fear of the possibilities, what can one do to be ready? The Everyday Carry Christian plans on being ready for each day. Be prepared.
Proverbs 6:6–8, are insightful verses about the life of the little insects we call ants. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; Consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, And gathereth her food in the harvest.”
While small, yet powerful, the ants are also smart. Their wisdom in planning ahead is commended by Solomon. God made these ants this way, and we can learn from their productivity, forward-thinking, and planning.
In a Fox News article the middle of June, 2022, planning ahead is recommended. Observe the following from the former Chief Executive Officer of Home Depot:
“Former Home Depot CEO Bob Nardelli warned on ‘America Reports‘ Wednesday that the Federal Reserve hiking interest rates to cool inflation will have a “devastating impact” on consumers.”
“‘I would tell the consumer, make sure that you’re building up cash reserves,” Nardelli emphasized. “Build up a supply of non-perishables in your home. Make sure that you’re prepared for sustainable inflationary periods.’:
CEO’s of large corporations tend to know what they are talking about when it comes to financial matters. They have real-world experience in commerce, trade, investing and management, unlike many of our political leaders. Combine inflation with “Shrinkflation,” (when product packages become smaller while the sticker price remains the same), and massive amounts of debt, it is apparent we are in a major financial crisis. Be sure this does not alarm you to live with fear, but to respond with good planning~
So with hard economic times happening and perhaps becoming worse, what can we do? Look to the ant! Here are some tips for Everyday Readiness from the ant:
- Don’t wait for an emergency. The ant does not have someone telling it what to do – it just does what is needed – ahead of time. Save up now. Save money. Store food. Get a freezer. Fill your pantry.
- Cut expenses. Take less trips to the store. Consolidate shopping trips. Eat out less. Make the coffee at home. Buy in bulk.
- Keep working hard. The ant stores food up but continues to work into the harvest season. Ants are not sluggards or lazy creatures. Sometimes it takes a while for our work to “pay off.” It is not wise to “coast.” We need occasional breaks and certainly need consistent rest, but keep working hard, doing your best to honor the Lord with your work. Take some positive pride in the work God has called you to do.
Another article I also just read that happened in the middle of June, 2022 is about cows. Beef cows in Kansas have been dying by the thousands. I can’t imagine. Google “Kansas, Cows, Heat, death” and you will find some disturbing pictures of cows all spawled out for mass burial. Too much heat is what they are blaming for these cows dying. More tragedies will come. Prices may go up, soon. It will be OK. The God who made the ant cares for you! He has given you a mind, ability, and clear directions about being ready.
Be an Every Day Carry Christian who is planning ahead.
EDC Christian 