Over the past week, the attention of the world has been focused on Japan. The 8.9, now upgraded to 9.0, earthquake, the 23 foot Tsunami, the countless aftershocks, and the failing nuclear reactors have kept our attention on news footage and update bulletins. The tremendous destruction,the loss of life, and the ongoing suffering have been the main focuses of most news reports.
However, I have picked up a thread of reporting that needs more coverage - it is the way the Japanese people have responded to the disaster and to each other. One brief account featured a restaurant that is providing free meals to people in their area. The cook lost his home but comes to work to help others. Grocery store shelves are nearly empty but people wait patiently in line to buy a little for themselves and some for their neighbors. Gasoline shortages have resulted in lines of cars miles long, but no one gets out of their car to fight. I have not seen any reports of looting although stores that still stand, stand without guards.
I know that we do not have a picture of every person or every village, but still, I am impressed with the human decency that is being demonstrated during a most difficult time. I cannot help but compare what is going on in Japan to New Orleans following Katrina. The news was filled with crime, looting, and hording. What a different picture we see in Japan!
We import excellent automobiles and outstanding electronics, among many other things, from Japan. I am just thinking this morning that we could use an import of some of the human kindness that is being demonstrated day by day. Continue to pray for those who are enduring so much.
1 comment:
I agree, Gary. I've concluded that more Japanese parents instill these values in their children than American parents do. Children usually respond well when values are modeled and directly taught. Unfortunately, not as much time is devoted to this by some American parents during their children's formative years.
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