We all have our problems, right? I know I complain in my head about dozens of things every week and while I try really hard not to, I just can't help it.
Then I watched this terrifying video of the onslaught of the tsunami in Japan, where a street becomes a raging river in a matter of six minutes, and all my stupid little problems and complaints seem so trivial. Who cares if the dog tracks mud into the house? Who cares if I'm behind in my paperwork? The laundry is piled about ten feet high in the basement - SO WHAT? Within six minutes entire houses were floating away in a raging swirl of black water. Cars were tossed around like toys and the water continued to rise as an eerie siren wailed its warning in the background.
Events like this make human beings seem so small and insignificant. The number of possible casualties is astounding, the number of missing people unthinkable. It seems unreal, being half a world away. I feel slightly guilty sitting in my recliner, watching CNN with my feet propped up. Why should I be comfortable while these poor people are suffering?
The amazing thing about all of this is how the Japanese people have responded to this tragedy. There are no reports of looting, violence, chaos - things you typically come to associate with natural disasters. It's sad that we expect that type of reaction to disastrous events. We can learn a lot from the Japanese about dignity, honor and selflessness. I'm glued to the TV not just because of the unbelievable footage of the sheer forces of nature, but also because of the amazing strength and resilience of these people who have lost everything.
As I crawl into my soft, warm bed, I'll try not to have negative thoughts about all the work that lies ahead of me tomorrow. Instead I'll try to count my blessings and remember how lucky I am to be alive and have a roof over my head. Unfortunately it sometimes takes a huge tragedy to remind us of what's really important.
1 comment:
Well said and too true.
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