Semper Paratus is a Latin phrase, meaning “Always ready”. It is used as the official motto of some organizations, such as the United States Coast Guard. To “be ready” implies preparation and vigilance.
Before you can be ready, you must prepare.
Preparation Basics
In a couple of weeks, I will be on a plane headed for India. The preparations for this trip included getting an e-Visa, obtaining immunizations and prescriptions, paying for tickets and lodging, thinking about what to pack, reading some good books about the book of Proverbs and preparing to encourage friends and pastors in northern India.
But there is another preparation element that should be done, regardless of where I am headed in the world. In fact, this should be done even if I stay home. You should do this too. What is this key element? I have a limited shelf life, an expiration date. It could be a heart attack, a stroke, a travel disaster or some unknown calamity that awaits on the ride to the airport or while in India. I might have another 25 years, but I might not have another month.
What happens if I don’t get another tomorrow? Am I prepared?
The following are in place, and don’t require any additional effort.
Will and Power of Attorney documents prepared.
Revocable Living Trust prepared and established with assets.
Investments configured to care for my wife in the event of my death. But even more important, I have my eternal reservations completed in Christ.
What other things have I done and plan to do before I get on the plane?
- Create a “Successor Custodian” form to give my son and son-in-law successor custodian access to the UTMA accounts for our grandchildren. This is done. I asked our attorney for advice on this one.
- Give my daughter and son-in-law an overview of my computer and paper files so that they can help my wife with investments, taxes and just “where is it?” questions.
- Backup my laptop computer – just before I leave. The backup stays here and the laptop goes to India with me.
- Pay the third quarter installment of our Federal and State Income taxes.
God sets a wonderful example in preparations.
He prepared a Savior for me before I was even born.
He prepared for my walk in good works because of Jesus.
He is preparing a place for me for my eternal dwelling after I die.
God is Semper Paratus.
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Know Your Flocks & Herds 