Being Prepared?

The tragic earthquake reported today in Christchurch, New Zealand, is a great reminder of what is truly important.

In such circumstances, people don’t ask, “Did you complete your filing?” , “Did you get my meeting request?” or “Have you updated your budget?” They are concerned about family, friends and their health. Whilst it may be of interest to rugby fans to know whether the World Cup stadium survived unscaled, it is not important. Contingencies can be actioned. Australia can co-host, perhaps.

The value of human life is critical to our forward planning, yet our day-to-day operations may suggest otherwise. Do we know how protected our colleagues are, in the case of emergencies? Do we have assistance on “speed dial”?

I think it is important, too, to prepare for life by facing death – the end we all will experience. This means having an up-to-date will and letters written to loved ones, detailing funeral wishes and personal farewells. The letters might begin, “If you are reading this, then I have passed away suddenly…” (thanks to PJ Smyth for this advice) and offer hope through your faith and foresight.

We do not know what we do not know. We cannot know how long we have to make a difference. We can, however, treasure each day with those we love, remembering their impact on us, and put things in place to ensure that our legacy, now AND beyond the grave, is positive.