The past week of news has been all but fun to watch. Last weekend I sat nearly on the edge of my seat as hurricane Irene came through the east coast. I have to say, the communities did an outstanding job with emergency preparedness. Though it was a lot less torrential as predicted, thank goodness, it was awesome to see folks plan for the worst. I think it's better to be overly cautious than arrogant and flippant. It's very possible the loss of life would have been worse if not for the warnings and evacuations.
In the car on the way home from a wonderful weekend in San Diego with family, I listened intently to the news in Libya. Over the night, a country demanded the change they want. It was inspiring to listen to the sounds of jubilation as they turned over a government. It of course begged me to give thanks for the country I live in. Despite the frustrations going on here, we are not on the brink of a collapsed government and total civil uprising. I'm not naive to believe it won't ever happen, but knowing it's not happening right this second is a gift.
The state of the world is fascinating. I don't watch a lot of news unless there's actual news to be heard. But, the other night I was reading an article about China's resent bolus of military advancement and funding. The article was spun to lead the reader to believe the Chinese are up to something. When aren't they? But, I was talking about it with my husband and my 13 year old daughter asked if we were currently at war. I have to admit, it's a little fun to talk about current events with my daughter. She seems to be interested in what's happening and it makes me happy.
The answer is yes and no. I explained we are involved in conflicts. I explained the difference between all out war and conflict. She then asked if we were at war with China. That's a very good question. I said, and if I'm wrong, please feel free to open up the debate: We're at competition with China. We are being politically correct with the competition because we owe them a LOT of money. They have an intimidating upper hand and it's becoming more and more uncomfortable. So, with the news of China suddenly doing all this military action, it begs to question how long it will be before they start to flex their muscles at us directly? I shudder at the answer. The unknown is alway terrifying. I don't think China's going to all out nuke us, but I do think they'll shut us down economically and since they are sort of already doing that, I'd rather deal with a financial melt down than nuclear/biochemical warfare. Call me nuts, wouldn't it be easier to be poor than growing a new head?
Every time I read about natural disasters, new wars, and a myriad of other bad news, I can't help but think biblically. It's funny to me. Funny, weird. My mom was one of those people who would start screaming about the end of days. Whenever she'd start a tirade, I'd make fun. Honestly, I probably still would if she were here to do it. But, is this truly the end of days? Sure, this planet has seen times like this before. In fact, probably worse. I guess the information age just brings it all really together and magnifies it all. Growing up with the religious philosophy I did, nearly requires me to believe these are the last days. But how many days before it's over? I laughed maniacally at the group of people who swore then end of the world was in what, May? When nothing happened, I wished with all my heart, I could have been a fly on their walls. How embarrassing.
Point? Don't really have one. There are days I get a little unsettled at the thought of the life that I know coming to an end. But, at the exact same time given hope that it's not going to happen during my lifetime. Who knows. God. Only he knows what he's doing...I hope.
