The Boy Scouts’ motto is Be Prepared, and the US Coast Guard’s motto is Semper Paratus, or Always Ready. These short phrases encapsulate an idea that should guide all of us, both personally and professionally.

Life was not simple for the Baker family. Sharon Baker had been abandoned by her husband many years earlier and was left to raise her daughter and three boys alone. Her children were about the same age as my children, and our families became friends. With her permission, I would like to share her experience with you.

I remember the day when thieves broke into their home and stole many of her family’s belongings. I also remember the day when Sharon’s ex-husband unexpectedly passed away and the mixed feelings her children experienced. They had not seen their father in more than a decade and he had never provided support, yet he was still their father and now he was dead.

One day, I received a telephone call from a mutual friend who informed me that Sharon had lost her job. I worried about this fi ne family and felt some duty to help them. I knew that Sharon would not easily accept assistance. Nevertheless, within a few days, I visited the Baker home with the intention of providing financial assistance. When I arrived, Sharon greeted me warmly. After some brief pleasantries and an acknowledgment of her job situation, I became assertive, maybe more than ever before.

"Sharon," I asked, "do you have sufficient food?"

"Yes," she replied.

"Is your rent current?" I asked.

"Yes."

"It is cold outside—are your heating and electric bills paid?"

"Yes."

"How much fuel is in your vehicle?"

"I have plenty of gas."

"Do the children have winter clothes?"

"Yes."

Finally, she stopped me and said something like this: "Alan, I was taught by my parents and many other fine people to be prepared, to stay out of debt, to live within my means, and to save a little money. For years this is what I have done. We have everything we need. We will be fine."

I went to Sharon’s home with the intention of helping her, yet through her commitment to sound principles, she lifted me.

It is unfortunate how much we ignore preparation for stormy times or unexpected events. Great experts, however, are prepared. Great experts expect circumstances to change. They operate within their means, they prepare for the risks around them, and they protect their constituents from the storms that inevitably come. Oh, that all experts could be as wise and prepared as that single mother!