As 2004 winds down, I feel compelled to write something. I’m still feeling rather overwhelmed by the news of the Indian Ocean tsunami (津波) that claimed so many lives on Dec 26. Like many, I just wonder why things like this have to happen.
Then I remember so many disasters that humankind has created on its own. So many of us die for such useless, preventable reasons at our own hands that maybe we shouldn’t be so amazed when an act of nature claims us en masse. But I think the real wonder and heartache such a great natural tragedy is that it feels like God no longer loves us and has chosen to smack us down just to show us who’s boss. I remember growing up that the worst thing that could happen was getting on the wrong side of daddy, which is something I try to remember when I get mad at my own kids.
Well, I believe that God still loves us, because if He really didn’t, none of us would escape destruction. So with that faith I’ll lift my glass and welcome the new year. Besides, what else can I do?