I lie in my warm bed, lulled by the rain drumming steadily on the ensuite skylight. I pull the quilt up closer and roll over. My husband's steady breathing accompanies my thoughts.
I think of people in far off countries, Japan, Libya, New Zealand, Bahrain - those suffering enormous loss and terror. I think of how broken this world is. And while thinking and praying for those who hurt, I wonder about my own response. My prayers and donations seem so insignificant in the face of such devastation. What can I do?
I've been pondering this lately and here's what came to me--
* Be thankful for what I have been given.
* Remember.
* Pray. Give.
* Extend grace.
* Be aware.
* Live each day to the full.
* Keep short accounts.
*Laugh til it hurts.
* Say "I love you." Often.
* Be prepared.
Several years ago I put together an earthquake/emergency kit. I've never used it, but try to update it every year or so. Living in a developing country for many years taught me the necessity of keeping basic supplies on hand.
I look at the recent earthquakes: New Zealand, Japan. And I look at my location on the globe. It could so easily happen here. Could we survive for a week or so without the infrastructure we all depend upon?
This week I updated my earthquake kit. I keep it in the front hall closet, accessible in an emergency. Water, and other supplies are scattered throughout the house, but this box would keep us going for a few days.
Be thankful. Be prepared. Give and pray. There's little else I can do.
Great advice at the end of your post....we are so fortunate to be living where we live, but at the same time you feel helpless and almost guilty for the ease of our existence. All we can do is send our prayers to those who are suffering. Have a good day :)
ReplyDeleteVery good advice Lorrie. We can all do so little , it seems, but our prayers are there to support.
ReplyDeleteVery thoughtful post. The images we see on the TV are just heartbreaking. I can't imagine what it's like being there amongst all the destruction hoping for the best but fearing the situation will become worse.
ReplyDeleteSusanne.
The news of the world is so heartbreaking these days. I'm sure it has been this way from the beginning of time, since Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden, but now we see and hear it 24/7 on TV and radio and have more awareness of it.
ReplyDeleteI made an emergency evacuation backpack after 9/11. I still update it yearly as that day made me aware that a terrorist attack can happen anywhere, but especially in NYC. My husband and daughter who work in high rise buildings in Manhattan also were issued emergency evacuation kits by their companies to keep in their desks.
Thank you so much for this post, that mirrors the reflexions I've been having lately. I too would like to do something, think constantly about the terrible things that are happening and came to the conclusion that we must keep the faith no matter what, and enjoy the "here" and "now", and be thankful for what we have.
ReplyDeleteWe also live in a sismic area and I also try to be prepared (fingers crossed).
Thankyou for such a thoughtful post, also for your recent visit and comment on News From Italy.
ReplyDeleteWe see such heartbreaking images on television, from all corners of the world, and yes - we cast about for ways to help... Thanks for crystalizing my thoughts, and offering solutions... :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed, being grateful and counting our blessings should be top of our list of things to do each and every morning that we arise. It is so easy to get lost in our daily routines and forget, but at nite, when we are able to tuck ourselves safely in bed, we must say a prayer for all those who are suffering. You're post is lovely and states so well what many are feeling. Best wishes and blessings, Tammy
ReplyDeleteSo well put, Lorrie. Do what you can and leave the rest in God's hands. So thankful for a big God.
ReplyDeleteGood advice all around, Lorrie. We must do our part...and leave the rest with God.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post Lorrie.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet that many of us on the island are checking our emergency kits and grab-and-go kits.
ReplyDeleteI'm so tired of the rain. Today's bit of sunshine was such a joy!