Tsunamis

Don’t the images make you ill? Sadden your heart? Make you appreciate how lucky we are?
Have you sent in a donation to the Red Cross yet? The Mennonite Central Committee is also accepting donations: www.mcc.org/asiaearthquake How many prayers have you uttered on their behalf?

Puts everything in perspective, doesn’t it? All the little hurts, petty hang ups and irksome habits seem infinitely unimportant. We are alive. Our homes are still intact. And our imperfect families are still around, loving us yet at the same time driving us crazy.

The local paper had an editorial regarding the tsunamis in the Indian Ocean. It was a warning that the west cost is due for one too:
“Perhaps the most troubling aspect of any earthquake here will be the separation of people and the inability to get to their homes. This is due to the fact that so many commute long distances to work and school, and cross bridges to do so.
Every family should have a plan in place which outlines what to do when an earthquake strikes….”

Unable to get to my kids?
Shudder.
Each of them stranded at a different school, not sure how to get home? Me, stuck in Surrey, frantically attempting contact?
I get heart palpitations just thinking about it.

Which is why the video clip of the 5 year old Indian girl holding her 3 year old brother, waiting for their parents amongst the ruins of their home is so gut wrenching. How long will they wait? Then what?

Dear God,
Please comfort the children of the storm. Bring healing into their lives. Give the relief workers wisdom. And cloak them in compassion as they minister to the needs of terrified young innocents. And, God move us to give. Generously and with thanks. Amen.