In his talk in October Conference of 2010 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/of-things-that-matter-most?lang=eng Elder Uchtdorf talked about how experienced pilots deal with turbulence. He says the best way is often to slow down and focus on the things that matter most while still moving forward to their destination. He likened this to our lives. He said that in times of turbulence we should focus on the things that matter most. These, he points out are relationships
- With God
- With family members
- With other people
- With ourselves
If ever we were in a time of turbulence this may be that time. While I believe preparing is vitally important, and have been writing about preparedness for more than 6 years, this is probably not the best time to focus on gathering all the supplies we have been neglecting over the last few years. This would have the effect of speeding up during turbulence. Food storage and gathering supplies is best done wisely and over a period of time. It is a process. If we are focused on acquiring supplies now, we may need to ask ourselves whether we are doing so out of fear or a desire to follow council. Everyone can figure out the best answer for that. Grabbing what we can get doesn’t take into account that some people are just trying to make it through and feed a family in the midst of grocery store shelves that are consistently picked bare by the people who are desperately grabbing as much as they can. Instead of acquiring a lot of food and supplies, this might be a better time to focus on the necessities and learn what our family uses or misses the most when we can’t have it all right now. What a great time to test to see what we really need and want to store, especially for a 3 month supply of what we eat on a regular basis (the area of focus for April in our stake).
This is not a time to panic, but rather a good time to take stock of where we are and set goals for what we want to do and accomplish moving forward. While our mind is on the current crisis, it might be a good idea to prepare by making emergency plans and talk about procedures with our families. These things are at least as important as food storage. It may be a good time to make a list of what supplies we need and pick them up prudently later on. Knowing what to do and making a plan alleviates fear for many people. For many of us, this will be the best learning experience or practice we could ask for. We can still get food. We can order many things we need. We have power, water, technology, and so much more. What a great chance to slow down and focus on the things that matter most!
Here are some ideas of things we can do in this difficult time to make the best of it, as we slowdown in order to pass safely through a time of turbulence.
This may be a time when:
- We can work together to become closer as a family.
- We have a chance to practice a good attitude in a crisis. Find ways to be grateful, hopeful, helpful, caring, and positive.
- We can ask for the Lord’s direction and put faith in Him.
- We can research and learn more about the crises that we can face in our area and how to deal with them. Doing this can help us be more educated as to how to prepare when this is over.
- We can check with neighbors and family, finding ways to care about and minister to them. Look for ways to lift their spirits, and in doing so we can lift our own.
- We can work on taking better care of our spirit and body, so that we can withstand tribulation.
- We can get creative and find new forms of wholesome entertainment and fun that can build relationships and help lift others.
- We can work on projects at home that we haven’t gotten around to.
I am personally grateful for all of the people I have seen using their talents and gifts to help and lift others in this time. I applaud all of the good I see in so many people. Let’s all try to be a part of that good. Let’s put our best attitude forward!