I thought I was imagining it … I was sitting at my desk in our fifth floor apartment when I started sensing that my chair was moving. My husband, only a few feet away, didn’t notice anything. But then the rocking chair started swaying, as did the trees outside. The movement intensified, as did my fears. Later, we learned the earthquake only lasted a couple of minutes. Minutes that seemed to last forever.
I frantically tried to call our two kids to tell them how much I love them — in case we were goners. Yes, I was that scared! The call didn’t go through for who knows what reason — internet signals messed up? God’s intervention so that I didn’t freak out our kids?!
We then took the stairway down to the parking area where tenants from our twin eight-story buildings had gathered. One woman was crying. Others were huddled together. All of us in shock. Our good friends from Japan — “pros” living with earthquakes — encouraged and calmed us. Gave us helpful hints on what to do if this ever happens again.
When it was deemed safe to go back in the building, we took the stairs back to our apartment. At least we had remembered when exiting and returning to our home that it would be best to avoid the elevators!
We then discovered that the quake had literally shaken some things up in our apartment. Our dresser drawers had opened. The sliding glass door on our balcony now had a gap of several inches instead of being tightly closed. Our desks had slid apart. A few books had fallen over.
Overall, however, our city fared well — especially compared to those who lived near the 7.7 magnitude epicenter (we’re 525 miles/845 km away). Oh, how we grieve with those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy. Unimaginable sorrow.
The following day I wrote in my journal:
The reality of our own mortality —
from my journal Saturday, March 29th
when thrust upon us in such a vivid way —
is sobering.
Intellectually, I know that my death will usher me
into the presence of the Lord —
and what could be more wonderful than that?!?
I also know that life here on earth
is only a small blip on the timeline of eternity.
But yesterday —
standing in our living room
not knowing if the three floors above us
would soon snuff out my life —
I didn’t want to see Jesus then!
I didn’t feel ready!
God graciously spared us. But this sobering incident has made me ask myself some questions:
- Am I ready to meet God??? Why was I so hesitant???
- Am I keeping short accounts regarding any sin in my life — confessing anything that is short-circuiting my relationship with God? Forgiving others? Forgiving myself?
- Are there any relational issues I’m not dealing with/avoiding? Misunderstandings that need to be cleared up? Words that need to be spoken?
- What about family and friends who aren’t yet believers?
I’ve also been pondering some things God says:
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear
though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Psalm 46: 1-2
“Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet My unfailing love for you
will NOT be shaken
nor My covenant of peace be removed,”
says the Lord,
who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54: 10
Have no fear of sudden disaster…
for the Lord will be at your side…
Proverbs 3:25-26
“Sudden disasters” aren’t only acts of nature, like our recent earthquake. It can be a telephone call that brings devastating news. Or walking down the street in broad daylight and being mugged. Or returning from vacation and seeing that your home, all your earthly belongings have gone up in smoke — literally. Or having your job terminated from one day to the next. Or … the list goes on and on.
All of these “sudden disasters” shake us to the core of our being. Our stability is rattled — like having the rug pulled out from under our feet. Our confidence is flagging. Our hope often turns to despair. What we believe and what we’re experiencing collide — and make us question God.
Even though we have since been assured that our building was constructed according to a strict, earthquake-withstanding code, I recognize that I need to put my hope, my confidence in something, Someone greater. Something, Someone that will withstand the storms of life.
Anyone who listens to My teaching
Jesus speaking, Matthew 7:24-26
and follows it is
wise,
like a person who builds a house on solid rock.
Though the rain comes in torrents
and the flood waters rise
and the winds beat against that house,
it won’t collapse
because it is built on bedrock.
But anyone who hears My teaching
and doesn’t obey it is
foolish,
like a person who builds a house on sand.
When the rains and floods come
and the winds beat against that house,
it will collapse
with a mighty crash.
Yes, I was scared. Yes, we survived. And yes, as a Christ-follower I’m endeavoring to learn from this experience so that I’m better prepared to face whatever “sudden disasters” may come my way down the road.
My desire is to build upon and cling to the Rock, the One I call my Lord and Savior. May I encourage you to do the same… and together, no matter what surprises come our way in this life, we’ll have joy in the journey of this thing called “Life!”
Joy in the Journey 