In my last post, Hiding In Plain Sight, I noted what I believe were indicators that we were, in fact, in the middle of our Fourth Turning and that society as we know it was in the middle to final stages of upheaval. All the indicators are hiding in plain sight, and if we are not careful, we can trip over them. I did, but then began a period of doing!
For me, doing meant re-engaging the process of analyzing what-if scenarios and then instinctively preparing for the scenarios I analyzed. Anyone in a business leadership role must be proficient in scenario planning to succeed. The same holds true for people in a family or community leadership role. Your family and friends look towards leadership when stuff happens. You pick the scenario/disaster- very few of us have private security that can whisk us away to our private jet and escape the danger. We are on our own, must be prepared, and keep our wits about us! Running the exercises will help to build self-confidence and self-reliance. These 2 attributes will help you calmly assess and respond even if your challenge isn’t a practiced or prepared-for scenario. A leader with a calm demeanor can calm a crowd. Been there, done that, as the saying goes.
I’m sure many of you are questioning the relevance of the outhouse to my post, correct? So, my wife and I spent the past weekend at our home in North Carolina. When we pulled into the driveway after returning, I noticed that our sewer line cleanout cap was lying in the yard a couple of feet from the pipe it was previously attached to. What the heck was going on? I parked my truck and walked down to look at the scene. Yes, it was a literal SHTF scenario. The cleanout pipe had standing water in it, which meant nothing was passing through to the county sewer main. I called a service to clear the line and was told that the best response estimate was the next afternoon. I went into scenario adjustment mode. I told my wife that under no circumstances flush a toilet, run the washing machine, or use water unnecessarily! All the things you do when you return home from out of town, right?
Fortunately, we own a travel trailer with a fully equipped bathroom and enjoy camping trips. Unfortunately, it was still in a winterized condition, and the sun was beginning to drop to the horizon! I had to get my tail in gear. While 5-gallon buckets have been employed in the past for a latrine (necessity is the mother of invention), I had another option in the driveway. I did manage to get the travel trailer bathroom functional and ready to use that evening. The next day, the plumber showed up and opened the line but admonished us to put nothing but water down the line! At least we had a rolling functional bathroom toilet and could shower and do everything else in the house now. After 2 days of wrangling with utility companies and insurance companies, I called a contractor in to dig up and replace the pipe. Thankfully, it was done in 6 hours, and we had a fully functional home once again.
But what if we had a different scenario? How would you react if a disaster had eliminated the water supply to your home? Are you prepared for that?
If you are a family leader, you have an obligation to care for your family and help neighbors. You cannot crumble under pressure. Are you prepared?
1 Timothy 5:8 - But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Selah
Y’all be good, I’m still trying.
Few could live in the 1880s again, including myself. Perhaps I could make it in 1910 but it wouldn't be easy. So much lost technology!!!
Also have been pushing the rock up hill so to speak. I've got a large family to think of. Although my four children are now grown with families of their own. As of last fall I can shelter them all.
Wouldn't be easy over a winter but survivable. As it should the work, day to day or longer term improvement projects never ends.
A wise man once said to me.
"There's no retirement in the Bible" thankfully I hear those words echo reminding me to keep pushing.
BTW I am currently working TDY in Alabama. Was last here fifteen years ago. This will be my last goaround here. It has been a privilege but it's time to put the main job in the rear view.
I am a westerner, son of pioneers decended form salt
People like us must always be allies.