Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Take Time

I'm in training this week. Training for Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism Incidents. Yeah. Nothing blows your sense of security and peace like an 89-page checklist for preparing your community in the event of an event.

Prior to Monday, I laughed at the idea of terrorists carrying out an evil little plot in a small town. We're not NYC or D.C. or LA, I reasoned. Why should we be mobilized? I now know that there has been a significant threat sniffed out and squashed here. Right here where I live. As we were briefed on the details yesterday, I was shaken for a moment. After all, here I was, happily living my life and thinking I was safely buried away in a small town off the terrorists' radar.

It makes you appreciate those simple moments, doesn't it? The reality that today a storm could blow or an attacker could strike or a disease could manifest. It makes you want to smell flowers and hug folks close and sit together and cook a big dinner and memorize smiles and eyes. It makes you cling to moments and moms and memories. And we should. For heaven's sake, we should.

Take some time. If you haven't lately, take some time to tell someone you love them. Let someone know she's appreciated. Buy an extra flashlight. An extra blanket. An extra toothbrush. Whether or not the threat to our daily lives ever becomes real, it's still nice to have all our bases - including home - covered....

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just a note to let you know that you are very appreciated & very loved!!!

Have a Lovely Day!

Anonymous said...

I was in London on 21/7, when the bombs went off, one of which was very near to me. It was a horrible experience, stranded hundreds of miles from home with no way of getting to my destionation as all the buses and tubes wern't running. At the time I didn't realise how many people had died and were injured, it was only later in the day when I finally got to my brother's house and saw the news that I realised what had happened. It has changed my perspective on life but also made me nervous of some place that could be a target for lunatics. I hope you never have to use the skills you are learning,and yes lets all stop to smell the flowers.

Unknown said...

I know since 9/11 I've been forced to think about things I never expected, and now must live in fear. But if we cherish each day as it comes and try to be prepared it will lesson the fear a little! Good post Brin, I hope you will share with us some tips and ideas we all can do.

Anonymous said...

Things happen! Yes, we are afraid of bad things happening but it is so reassuring to know that God holds us in His Hands and guides us through the storms in our lives whether they are internally or outwardly..HE IS THERE!
You got it so right...let's remember to do those little things now for our loved ones.
A good reminder, Brin and I agree with Amber..you are appreciated and loved!
I've been busy lately but wait ...it all had to do with "doing for others"!

Mary L. Briggs said...

I like the idea of keeping our 'home base' covered. So many potentials for disaster~something we are forced to think about since 9/11. Life will never be exactly the same~yet, we go on living and loving just as God meant for us too! Still, we have to watch and be careful. Thanks for the reminder. I hope all goes well with your classes.

ancient one said...

As Amber said, We do appreciate you! Your blog is one of the best and I just love the way you think. You are so inspiring in every way. Now you have taken a new job and you will be helping so many more people to be prepared in case of emergencies. You are truly a giving person. Thanks!!