Be Prepared

Are you like me? Are you always thinking about what you would do in the case of emergencies such as fires, tornadoes, and earthquakes? What about if a bad guy came into your work? Do you know what actions you would take so that you can take quick action? Maybe I am crazy for doing so, but I do.

I work on the third floor of our building and walk up the stairwell to the fourth floor at least ten times a day, it seems. Between the two floors in the stairwell is an earthquake kit and a fire escape ladder.

This ladder gives me a chuckle every time I see it. This 2 story ladder is going to be my "life saver when seconds count" from the 4th story. Maybe I chuckle now, but maybe it will save my life some day and I will not be chuckling anymore.

So, let's say the fire is below me and I cannot go down the steps, so I have to go up. This is the sign I encounter. It tells me I cannot get to the roof and must go down.

Are you chuckling yet? Okay, right, this should not be a laughing matter, but it is kind of funny, isn't it?

I guess I could hope that there is no fire on the north stairs, huh?


So, I go up to the 4th floor where I would be stuck. This is a view out one of the windows. Fortunately, there is a rooftop below at the 1st floor level. So, IF I could break the window (aren't some windows mean to be unbreakable?), I could use the 2 story ladder to get me down to the 2nd floor, jump 1 story to the roof top, and then jump 1 more story to the ground.

Do you think I could make it? I think so. I may have a broken leg or arm, but I would be down to safety.

This ladder also serves as a daily reminder to me to be prepared in other ways. I am not one to initiate a conversation regarding my faith usually (although I do blog about it and it comes out in my natural conversations). I guess what I am saying is that I do not go around like a Jesus Freak trying to convert people. However, I am always ready to share it if someone asks me.

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15

In addition, I am reminded that I should always personally be ready for the Lord. Just like a fire, earthquake, or tornado, the Lord will come in an instant, or I could die unexpectedly.

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Matthew 24:42