Are You Forgetting the Most Important Thing?

A recent study conducted in the UK found the average adult forgets three key facts,chores or events daily. Among the top most forgotten were:

Letting a hot cup of tea go cold
Where you left your keys
What you meant to buy at the store
Charging a mobile device
Replacing a toilet paper roll
Where you parked your car

The study also revealed 6 percent of adults nationwide have had relationships break up over missing their partner’s birthday and 1 in 10 have gotten into trouble for not remembering the name of a close friend’s child.

While we’re all guilty of forgetting from time to time, there’s a long list of things you would never think of forgetting. For instance, a good parent would never forget to teach their child how to reach 911 in an emergency, or to look both ways before crossing the street. But every day baby boomer parents neglect to pass along equally vital information to their adult children or loved ones — by simply omitting to communicate the most important personal data and plans only they know.

Individuals who anticipate — and prepare for — unanticipated life events exercise a unique form of love for their family, one that says “I’ve already planned well into the future so you’ll be taken care of even when I can’t be the one to do it.” One of the best ways to do this is with an up-to-date Will or Estate Plan. Another is by compiling a special group of documents that outline information like:

Passwords for all existing accounts — financial, social media, etc.
Contact information for their accountant, attorney or broker
Details regarding investments, accounts and insurance policies
Family stories, genealogy or recipes
A list of charities they support
Explanations of the values and beliefs that have shaped their lives

Remembering to care for your loved ones during and after your life is a beautiful gift. So is remembering a ministry or organization in your Will. Don’t let time or good intentions get away from you. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time…” Ephesians 5:15-16a