I can hardly stop watching the video clips available on the Internet of the devastation in Japan. The estimated death toll rises each day and the circumstances for those still living worsens as the hours tick on without loved ones being located and shortages of basic necessities.
The newscasters keep saying that most people couldn't even imagine such destruction being possible from a tsunami and earthquakes. I think it strikes me as particularly disturbing because, a) my brother and his family live just a short distance from Sendai (in Yamagata), and b) Japan is a highly developed, industrialized country - like the United States.
If a natural disaster can cause this degree of devastation in Japan it can create as big a problem anywhere in the world. The nuclear reactors had 3 backup safety systems and all 3 failed at one of the nuclear power plants. It's a good reminder that God is in charge; nothing humans do to prevent disaster will work without God's consent.
In one of the news clips I watched, the reporter talked about how the people were being kind and courteous to each other, even while stuck in an evacuation center without adequate resources and among many, many other people of all ages. Considering the level of anger many American's have just from inconsiderate drivers or having to wait in line for 15 minutes or listening to a crying child, I can't imagine that in the United States people would be as courteous or patient. Japan's altruistic society - where the needs of the group are more important than individuals' needs - has certainly helped make being stuck together in close quarters in horrific circumstances a bit more bearable.
The damage in Japan is a distinct reminder that our belongings are temporary. Whether they are taken away while we yet live or we die and leave them behind, our "stuff" can be gone with no warning. It just doesn't matter now who had the nicest homes or cars or clothes last week, because those things are gone. Now what matters is having loved ones nearby and safe and having a knowledge that Heavenly Father is mindful of each person and faith that He knows what He is doing. As it says in the book of Matthew: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where
moth and rust doth
corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal".
I wish I could go to Japan and help somehow. I wish I could listen to the people talk about what's on their minds or I could help clear out debris and help people salvage what is left of their belongings. Most of all I wish I could convey to them my knowledge that their loved ones that have died are with their Heavenly Father and that they can see them again. But here I sit in my nice home, surrounded by everyone I love, feeling helpless and saddened that the Japanese people are suffering such great losses.
I realize that it is a blessing to me and all of us who watch from the safety of our family rooms because we can learn from the destruction in Japan without having to experience it directly. So I'll hold my loved ones a little closer. I'll try not to offend or take offense. I'll try to remember that my
stuff isn't what matters. I'll try to help ease the burdens of those around me. And most of all I'll be grateful for my testimony that Christ died for us so we might return to live with Him - whenever we are called Home. I appreciate the gospel in my life and the peace it gives me. And I'm grateful that these "things" can never be taken from me.
"And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your
burdens may be
light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen." - Alma 33:23 (The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ)
