If ye are prepared.....

The scripture "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear", generally brings to mind images of wheat, honey, and powdered milk. I am coming to realize just how many realms that saying fits in. An Olympic athlete that has worked really hard is going to be excited but not really fearful as his event approaches. A student who has studied everything well will be somewhat nervous about an important exam but doesn't need to really be afraid because she has done all she can to prepare. Recently we heard a story originally published in the LDS Church News in August about a man (a bishop) who was planning a hiking trip with his son and some other people. (I haven't read the actual story so my details may not be accurate but the idea is the same.) As the time approached to climb the mountain, he knew he hadn't spent much time working up to the physical rigors of the hike. They packed up and started out. After the first day, they stopped to set up base camp. He knew by how exhausted he felt and how difficult it had been for him that he would never be able to make the trip. So he sat at base camp and watched as his son and other companions made it to the summit, wishing he could go where they were. He had wanted to be with them but had not sufficiently prepared himself, so they had to go on without him. Also in the scriptures, there is a parable of the ten virgins. Only five had brought enough oil for their lamps so five were not ready when the bridegroom came. Lately it seems that there is some form of disaster somewhere in the world every single day. Some people are better prepared to deal with it than others. The preparation isn't necessarily about flashlights and extra food. We can share food, fuel, transportation sometimes. What we can't share, is emotional stability.... spiritual serenity.... mental strength. If we spend our lives only at the surface- dealing with the day's errands, watching tv, eating, sleeping, bathing- doing the physical, worldly things that are a part of mortality, there will be no deep well to draw on when needed. Being able to recite lines from a movie will not get us through a financial crisis. Expertise at a computer game will not support us through a sudden, life-threatening illness for ourselves or a loved one. Having the right scent of bubble bath will not comfort us in a flood, fire, or hurricane. All of those things are fun distractions but we have to be careful not to neglect the real preparation necessary for peace and strength facing challenges of life. Faith can provide serenity in an insane world. We will not be afraid of dying if we know what to expect. We will not be afraid of facing God if we take the time now to get to know Him. If we are prepared, we need not fear.....now or ever.