Like everyone else watching the devastation and struggles of the people of Japan, I am deeply touched by the magnitude of destruction and utter loss. It's hard for me to imagine. I've watched the news clips, the videos of amateurs who captured the tsunami in action and I was horrified. My heart and my prayers go out to them, to all those who've lost their loved ones, their homes, even entire communities.
I’d noticed something different about what I was seeing but couldn’t quite put it into words. My daughter did it beautifully when she observed the Japanese people were responding with dignity, grace and respect for one another during this crisis. Not the lootings, robberies and disregard in some cases when disaster struck our nation with Hurricane Katrina. Another observation we both voiced - pets were allowed in the evacuation shelters of Japan - again unlike Katrina. It would appear their humanity extends to all life. I take my hat off to them. And will continue to pray for them.
Anyone watching the news these last few weeks can't help but notice the abundance of natural disasters, chaos and even pain some amongst us inflict upon others. With the Mayan calendar spelling out doom in the worlds near future, it's not surprising there's a lot of talk lately about the fulfilling of end of the world prophecies. The wide ranging viewpoints are fascinating. From people breathing Doom, Despair and Destruction, to those who believe they know the actual date of noted Doom, to those who are optimistic about the future and don't believe a word of any of the prophesies. Personally, I think it's entirely possible the earthquake in Japan may have been the catalyst for more destruction by nature at an increasing rate. But, at what point will the earth finally fall from orbit - or be consumed by fire as some believe? I don't have a clue. What I'm wondering is how we, the inhabitants of the earth, with so many impassioned and varying views on this topic will respond to one another over the next 21 months. Will we end up at each other’s throats in the name of religion as others in our history have? Will we actually bring about our own destruction and fulfill the prophecies ourselves? Hmm . . . it will be interesting to watch the next 21 months unfold. In the meantime, I look to the Japanese people and appreciate their example of dignity, grace and respect for their fellow beings.
Two high points of my day - I found an unopened, forgotten bag of Peanut M&M's in a drawer today! Yes!!! I needed that, amazing how something so small can bring a smile and comfort.
And we witnessed a full (end to end) double rainbow! The colors in the first band were so vibrant! The second a bit more subdued but breathtaking nonetheless.
I’d noticed something different about what I was seeing but couldn’t quite put it into words. My daughter did it beautifully when she observed the Japanese people were responding with dignity, grace and respect for one another during this crisis. Not the lootings, robberies and disregard in some cases when disaster struck our nation with Hurricane Katrina. Another observation we both voiced - pets were allowed in the evacuation shelters of Japan - again unlike Katrina. It would appear their humanity extends to all life. I take my hat off to them. And will continue to pray for them.
Anyone watching the news these last few weeks can't help but notice the abundance of natural disasters, chaos and even pain some amongst us inflict upon others. With the Mayan calendar spelling out doom in the worlds near future, it's not surprising there's a lot of talk lately about the fulfilling of end of the world prophecies. The wide ranging viewpoints are fascinating. From people breathing Doom, Despair and Destruction, to those who believe they know the actual date of noted Doom, to those who are optimistic about the future and don't believe a word of any of the prophesies. Personally, I think it's entirely possible the earthquake in Japan may have been the catalyst for more destruction by nature at an increasing rate. But, at what point will the earth finally fall from orbit - or be consumed by fire as some believe? I don't have a clue. What I'm wondering is how we, the inhabitants of the earth, with so many impassioned and varying views on this topic will respond to one another over the next 21 months. Will we end up at each other’s throats in the name of religion as others in our history have? Will we actually bring about our own destruction and fulfill the prophecies ourselves? Hmm . . . it will be interesting to watch the next 21 months unfold. In the meantime, I look to the Japanese people and appreciate their example of dignity, grace and respect for their fellow beings.
Two high points of my day - I found an unopened, forgotten bag of Peanut M&M's in a drawer today! Yes!!! I needed that, amazing how something so small can bring a smile and comfort.
And we witnessed a full (end to end) double rainbow! The colors in the first band were so vibrant! The second a bit more subdued but breathtaking nonetheless.