In the wake of such devastation...

As I surf the net shopping for swimsuits for our upcoming summer trip someone in Japan is trying to find a loved one.

As I send my little ones off to school someone in Japan is crying out in pain.

As I go about my monotonous Monday tasks in the comfort of my home someone in Japan is in a shelter trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces of their life.

As I watch tv and sip my morning juice someone in Japan is mourning a loss.

As I drive to the local grocer, listening to tunes on the radio someone in Japan is living a nightmare.

As I try to go about my day there are reminders of this disaster at every turn.

I have tried at all costs to avoid it. But it is proving to be an impossible task. And as much as I don't want to know, I can not pry myself away. It is so painful and heart breaking to know that so many are suffering in so many ways. It moves me to tears.

Truth is, it is so much easier to tune it out and not think about it. How can I go about my life knowing that there is so little I can do to help? Sure, I can donate or I can offer up a heartfelt prayer for those suffering, but it seems so little.

But despite how much or little we can give or do, we must think about it. There are so many powerful lessons to extract.

Today the nightmare felt by those in Japan is a reminder of the wrath of mother nature.

I am reminded of so many horrible disasters that have gone before and the massive loss of life in the wake of such unbelievable heart-wrenching devastation.

I am reminded that life is fragile and can be taken from us at any moment.

And I am reminded that it is imperative that we not take it for granted. That we love and live and embrace every single day as if it were our last. And that we remember what is important.

To all affected by the earthquake, tsunami, or nuclear power plant disaster: My heart goes out to you.

Photo credit: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/