September 8, 2017

After almost a week of training and travel, we finally made it to the fire line. We ate big steaks and were excited for the days ahead. It took us days to prepare for the work we would do here. I think we often forget about the role of preparing. Preparation, by definition, is “making ready or being made ready for use”. In other words, gathering supplies, knowledge and wisdom you may need later when you are called upon. It is often the key to success in battles and life. Even the best predictors and economists do not the future, but when the time comes, those prepared are often those most able to lead.

I am reminded of the story of the ten virgins and their lamps. A book of Matthew writes:

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish and five were wise. ³ The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. ⁴ The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. “

The key to preparation is that you do it before use. Otherwise, its not preparation, its operation. Today, as you come home off the mountains. Think about how you are preparing to lead and care for those around you. What can you do, learn, and share today to be a better version of you tomorrow? As you prepare for going back out again tomorrow, take a second and think about how different your life might look if you took the same approach to being a better husband, wife, father, friend or soldier to training? When you put some mole-skin on your feet and sharpen your tools tonight, what other areas of your life need some preparation? I know I got lots!