"JUST IN CASE" GAL

“Just in Case Gal”
10/20/09 Preparedness manual/guide---Larry thinks I should write one. He thinks my purse is a JIC (just in case) prototype because I have a way of pulling out what we need---eventually, ‘cause it usually takes some looking. My grandmother and Larry’s mother are really the queens of the “just in case” purses, always ready with tissues, stamps, gum, band-aids, pencils, mints, change for gumball machines, “quiet toys” for church, crayons and pads for restaurants, etc.

There’s actually a JIC company that maintains large/excess inventories of supplies and parts, plus backup capabilities and extra workers in order to meet any contingencies a manufacturing firm might have. Larry thinks I could be a member of their management team.

For days now, I have been trying to pack for Dallas---Larry will start today and probably be ready at the same time I will.

Packing for the myriad of knowns plus the unknowns has its problems---trying to factor in all the possibilities increases those problems. But the biggest problem is me trying to figure it all out.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6) All my planning and stewing are really for naught because the Lord is the One who is in charge. A man plans his ways but it is the Lord Who directs his steps. (Prov. 16:9)

After typing those verses, it was easier to “pack” with a new perspective---regardless of the weather, activities or length of stay.
I will pack:
• my Houston High quilt and my HHS Student Impact t-shirt because both of those will be accompanied by prayers
• My squishy down pillows to make the hospital bed more bearable—1 for under my head, 1 for over my head, 1 for under my top knee when I sleep on my side and 1 to cradle close to my chest
• my books, including my Bible, Jesus Calling and other favorite devotional books; my journals and all the colorful pens and really sharp pencils; my laptop and my camera; photos and cards that make me smile and tea

Everything else (clothes, jewelry and make-up) is pretty much superfluous---except my insurance card, that is.

The only other JIC thing that is left to be done is recording a birthday card for Larry. His birthday is in April and though my upcoming surgery is nothing like what I faced in March, I’m leaving the “perfect” card just in case I’m not here for the party.
Larry and I always dance when “Ain’t too Proud to Beg” is played--it’s the rule! His perfect card (Go Hallmark!!) allows me to record my voice before The Temptations start singing our song.

Now, ready or not, this “just in case” gal is headin’ to Texas with a car full of all the right stuff---blessings upon blessings from a treasure trove of friends.