The last few months have been very difficult for many people in my part of the world. We've had the earthquake in Christchurch in September, floods and more floods in Queensland, northern New South Wales and Victoria. There have been cyclones in Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory and now another devastating earthquake in Christchurch. I've kept silent during these catastrophes, not because I don't care but because many people were covering what was happening and I felt the blogging world didn't need another post covering these things. After this most recent earthquake in Christchurch I feel the need to say something.
I have found it incredibly distressing to see footage of the earthquake in Christchurch. A beautiful city that is going through a second earthquake in 5 months just doesn't seem fair. My thoughts go out to the people who have lost family, friends, homes, businesses and what they've known as their life. I cannot begin to understand how the people must be feeling. Maybe despair, terror, anger, frustration, grief, helplessness, anxiety and that is probably just the tip of the iceberg. In the midst of these tragedies of the last few months, I've observed something very positive and I would to talk about.
We may ask what can possibly be positive in the middle of chaos and loss? Have you noticed how people pull together in a time of crisis? We forget our differences, our colour, our race, our religion, our political alignment, whether we're rich or poor. We just help each other. Isn't this the most incredible thing? Isn't this what makes or breaks us as a human race, whether we care about each other and help each other? I was in awe of the volunteers who helped, are helping clean up after the Queensland floods. They came with wheelbarrows, brooms, cleaning gear and a willingness to help. I saw images of people lifting rubble in Christchurch to look for survivors (they weren't search and rescue experts). Five strangers were working together to free someone in a car that had been crushed by rubble. I am so inspired and grateful that we can find it in ourselves to help each other, comfort each other, give to each other and truly care for each other in these circumstances.
So when all is going well, when we are living our lives and going about our business, do we still feel the same way about our fellow man? Are we willing to help someone we see in need whether that be pushing the shopping trolley to the car for a mother who is struggling with a baby and a toddler and it's raining or taking the time to assist an elderly person cross the road safely? Do we reach up to the top shelf to get something for someone who can't reach? Do we smile at people or even say hello? Do we check on our neighbours to see if they're o.k.? Do we phone someone who is grieving about a loss or not because we don't know what to say? Do we put a few extra grocery items in our trolley for someone we know is suffering financial difficulties who could use a loaf of bread, a litre of milk, some fruit or other items such as non perishables? What can we do everyday to make a difference to someones life, to let them know someone cares for them? Does it take a tragedy to help us see that we need to care about each other every day?
We live very busy lives. We have children, school drop offs and pick ups, sport activities, employment, travel time to work etc. Can we spare a few minutes every day to show someone we care? I think we can if we make ourselves aware, if we look outward and observe. I know there are many people who are this way, it's a part of who they are. I want it to be a part of who I am too. It's rewarding, satisfying, encouraging and it makes you feel great.
If you are still with me here, thank you for reading. I just had to get this out and down in writing. Wishing everyone a lovely day with my thoughts going to those most in need.
Anne xx
