Perspective

Recent tornadoes and flooding in the South and Midwest remind us that life is indeed fragile, precious and fleeting. Nature has violently interrupted the "normal routine" of thousands and taken the lives of hundreds of others. It's much more than an inconvenience when you lose your home, possessions and town or neighborhood.

Those of us unscathed by these recent disasters simply because of geography need to take stock in our lives. The least we can do is make a financial donation to a relief agency and pray for our sisters and brothers who've been victimized by these natural disasters. The pictures from these locations should be a sobering reminder of the things we often take for granted. Things like:

• A place to live and hold all our "stuff"
• Loved ones whose quirks can drive us crazy
  
• Shingled roof
• Clean and safe water to drink
• Yards, houses and streets without standing, or raging water
• Sitting in traffic in our cars instead of salvaging stuff from debris filled yards and streets
  
• Having a job and a place to work, even one we may not like
  
• Being able to enter our neighborhood that IS NOT blocked off by authorities
• Going to a restaurant of our choice
• Doing laundry in a washing machine that isn't 4 blocks away, or under water
• Going through life and our "normal" routine that is rarely appreciated but often lamented
• Mowing the yard, or tending to flowers and plants that haven't been destroyed
  
• Washing a car
• Reading in your favorite chair
  
• Laughing with a friend, or family member

Too many of us whine, complain, criticize, and lament about life, people, things and situations that victims of disaster would welcome with open arms. When your life is violently disrupted you are grateful for a job you previously hated, a house that needed to be cleaned, or a neighbor's crazy lawn art you disliked. Crisis, tragedy, and trouble tend to frame perspective in ways we previously overlooked, missed, or took for granted.

May God grant us patience and gratitude for the lives we live. And may He fill us with compassion and mercy for those who are hurting, wounded and simply trying to pick up the pieces of their lives. Remind me Lord, every day, even the bad ones is a gift from you!