I’ve recently decided to update my first aid kits. We’ve always had a first aid kit or two hanging around the house. I might even say three, if you count all the various first aid supplies in our linen closet that aren’t exactly in a “kit” per se. As we’re spending more time out and about, however, dealing with cuts and scrapes and bug bites and blisters, I realized we should have a better kit on hand when we’re away from the house. The basics of band aids and such have always been under a seat or a in a glove box, but we haven’t been too good about keeping it stocked.

The reason first aid kits are important is because they can help prevent a minor injury from becoming a major one. They can help prevent an infection from a small wound that could become a big concern. They can also just help you feel better and enjoy your time better. For example, I recently developed a blister from paddling in a kayak, and if I had had the proper first aid kit with me, I could have dealt with the blister and kept it from becoming so painful and aggravating. I know all of this, of course. I’ve had first aid training several times over the years. I know the recommendations around being prepared, I just don’t remember to follow through.

Generally, I’m pretty good about being prepared. On long trips in the car I always have basic tools, work gloves, tie down straps, zip ties, duct tape, and a few other things. Just in case. It’s been rare that I’ve needed them, but I always feel better

having them close at hand. I don’t know where that comes from. Perhaps it is from a friend of my father’s who used his ENTIRE trunk to keep stuff he might need close at hand. For instance, one day when he was visiting we threw a Frisbee on a second story roof. Jim just went to his car, dug out some rope, some nails, and a little piece of board. He crafted a spiked Frisbee of his own, attached to a rope, that we used to snag the Frisbee on the roof and pull it to safety. He was MacGyver before people knew who MacGyver was.

The downside to becoming too concerned about preparedness is that it can breed fear. As I’ve done reading about preparedness for natural disasters, for example, I’ve read some chilling predictions about what could happen. There is a whole movement around “prepping” which involves stockpiling large amounts of food and supplies for any one of a number of natural or man-made disasters that could befall us, including a zombie apocalypse. Some of those folks make it on television so that everyone can see how paranoid and pessimistic they are.

I understand it to a point. I know that being prepared is a good thing. The Boy Scout motto is well known beyond scouting for a reason (I’ve never been a scout). But a bunker mentality isn’t good for any of us. The bunker mentality is one that becomes so afraid of what could happen that we forget how to appreciate what is going on right now (and what isn’t). For some people, that mindset leads to withdrawal from life, from relationships, and even joy. We can also start to prepare our hearts and minds for the worst, which might mean that we don’t trust anyone or love anyone out of fear that one of those bad things we can so readily think of could come to fruition.

I actually think I know more people with a mental, emotional, or spiritual bunker mentality than I do people with physical bunkers. Far more. And I think the trick to keeping it from becoming all-consuming and paralyzing is to learn to be prepared for hard things in life, but not to be afraid of them. The single most important item for a spiritual or emotional first aid kit is prayer. It doesn’t expire, and you can’t run out of it. It’s portable, so that you can always have it with you. Sure that sound a bit Pollyanna, but not if you’ve discovered how prayer can make you healthier, stronger, and more resilient.

We often forget to pray about the little things; the little hurts, the little disappointments, the little fears, the little losses. But, just like minor cuts, if we don’t find a way to deal with the little things, if we can’t find a way to trust God with the little things, how will we ever be able to handle the big, nasty, hairy things? And unlike becoming over prepared with supplies or food or water, you really can’t overstock prayers. Prayer opens up this relationship with God even wider so that there is a sharing of burdens and grief and fear; I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who has become paralyzed from too much prayer. In fact, being in regular communication with God reinforces the love God has for us, which can give us what we need to love others and deal with whatever comes our way.

In the book, The Help, one of the main characters, Aibilene, describes how she writes her prayers to God. It’s a daily record of events and people she came in contact with, along with the ups and downs of the day. That is a spiritual first aid practice of the highest order. For others it may be that daily prayer from the Prayer Book has a similar effect. Many regular users of the Daily Office find ways to tie their personal and particular prayer needs to the prayers of the service, the readings, and in the silences.

First aid kits don’t mean we won’t get hurt or injured or sick. It just means we have a way to deal with things when they happen. Prayer has the same disclaimer. Keep at it, and you’ll be well prepared for whatever comes your way.

Tom+

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the strength of Jesus. Amen.