Читать книгу Above and Beyond - J.S. Dorian - Страница 17

“In fair weather prepare for foul.”

THOMAS FULLER

Those of us who live in southern California have been told for years that a great earthquake—the big one—could occur at any time, and that we would be well advised to prepare for it. Like many others I ignored the warnings, until the devastating Northridge earthquake literally shook my house off its foundation. Within two weeks I had prepared an elaborate and expensive earthquake survival kit containing all the recommended items and then some.

A year passed. One day, I found myself resenting the time and money I had spent on earthquake supplies that I would almost certainly never use. But then, a short time later, I couldn’t help smiling. My negative and rebellious attitude was easy to recognize, for I have felt exactly that same way at times about the effort and money I spend on my health: exercise, stretching, food supplements, medicines, medical tests, and so on.

This time it didn’t take an earthquake to shake me back to reality. I realized that while forethought and preparedness rarely bring immediate rewards, they almost always pay off in the long run.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Prevention may not always be possible, but it’s always preferable.