Well 2024 sure started off with a bang. On January 1st, as I was looking at the sports news on my phone an earthquake alert sounded off causing me to jump off the sofa. I turned on the news to find a tsunami warning for the Ishikawa area. I started praying that things would turn out to be ok as my mind drifted back to March 11, 2011 to the Great East Earthquake here in Chiba. The next day I turned on the news to see what was happening in Ishikawa only to see footage of an airplane bursting into flames as it landed at Haneda airport. Again, I prayed and hoped that things would be alright.
As I watched the news this past week I heard stories of courage, bravery, and unselfishness displayed by Japanese in these two situations. I was amazed at how chaotic the situation was inside the airplane, yet how calm the flight attendants and passengers reacted. They really helped each other to get off a plane that was engulfed with flames. I was also amazed at the help volunteers and neighbors displayed in the earthquake hit areas. Neighbors sharing generators, kerosene, blankets, water, and food with each other as if that is how things are supposed to be. I was really moved by the kindness and generosity. It reminds of Mark 12:31, which says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This is a great example of how we should treat others.
Rick