Provident living encompasses being prepared in many areas of our lives.
- Employment
- Home Storage
- Gardening
- Finances
- Education and Literacy
- Health
- Social and Emotional Strength
- Emergency Planning
None of us are completely self-reliant and I don’t think that is even the goal for any of us. It just isn’t realistic to go all the way to the basics of forging your own tools so you can make and produce all your own clothing, shelter and food. We are all dependent on others. However, we don’t have to be dependent on others for everything. With each step we take towards self-reliance, we gain security and peace of mind. The Lord promised that “if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.” (D&C 38:30)
Life is uncertain. I doubt anyone would argue with that statement, especially after all the recent natural disasters and difficult economic times. I am not a pessimistic person, but I certainly don’t think our family is immune from anything bad ever happening to us either. No one is invincible. It is sensible to plan for the worst while hoping for the best.
The time to prepare for the “just in case” is now. This was made apparent to us a few years ago. A family called us for some gardening tips because they wanted to have a garden. This family was struggling financially because of a job change that was out of their control and they now wanted to produce their own vegetables in order to save money. They envisioned a big, healthy, productive garden that would provide them with vegetables after vegetables in their time of need. However, they didn’t own any gardening tools or equipment. The area where they planned to put the garden was grass. The soil underneath was poor and would really take a few years of enriching the soil before it could be considered fertile. Plus, it was quite late in the season for planting where they lived. Their garden dreams were unfortunately dashed when they realized they didn’t have the money or time needed for an instant, successful garden. They did end up being able to at least put a few tomato plants in a flower bed. Ironically, this family is now doing well financially and no longer has any interest in gardening.
When things are going well is the absolute best time to prepare and learn. Developing and practicing self-reliance is something we need to make a part of our everyday lives. Over time and as money allows, we will become more and more self-reliant. (Do not go into debt in order to be more prepared.)
Your self-reliance efforts may or may not be the same things we choose to do. Everyone has different circumstances, skills and interests. Pray for guidance in your efforts. “Usually the Lord gives us the overall objectives to be accomplished and some guidelines to follow, but he expects us to work out most of the details and methods. [They] are usually developed through study and prayer and by living so that we can obtain and follow the promptings of the Spirit.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, April 1965) I hope this blog will help as you determine what self-reliance efforts will be the best for you and your family.
Perhaps the most important reason for being self-reliant is that it allows us to be in a position that we can help others. ElderRobert D. Hales said, “Only when we are self-reliant can we truly emulate the Savior in serving and blessing others.”
