Plan for the best, be prepared for the worst

Unexpected events can knock us off our feet. And while some of us get knocked down and out, others get back up and go on. They refuse to accept defeat as being permanent. They’re like the man who said, “I’m never down; I’m either up, or I’m getting up.” They see everything that happens in life as a learning experience. Losing a loved one is heart breaking, but it can also be a wake-up call to live every day of your life to the fullest. Losing a job can be traumatic, but it can also bring to the surface talents and abilities you never knew you had. Struggling to overcome a bad habit can lead to reprioritizing your life and instituting healthy habits. You can prepare for the worst by saving money for emergencies, taking classes about new products and technology, and keeping your relationships and contacts current so when you need to call someone for help, someone will willingly pick up the phone. Doing so is like having a spare tire and tools in your trunk for changing a flat. You hope you never need to use them, but you keep them ready to go in the event you hit a bump in the road. Above all, keep your relationship with God in good repair! “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24 NIV).