Show me, O LORD , my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man's life is but a breath.
Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro:
He bustles about, but only in vain;
he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.

Psalm 39:4-6 NIV

The recent tragedy in the south Pacific and Indian Ocean region has me in mind today of how our lives here are so brief, of how we ought not take a single minute for granted.

As I write this, the death toll from the tsunami is estimated at over 117,000 people, struck down with little or no warning. It's a horrendous tragedy; the worst natural disaster that I can remember occurring in my lifetime.

Let's pray for those whose lives have been lost. Let's pray for those that have lost family or friends. Let's pray for those that have lost their homes, belongings and livelihood.

Let's remember that the number of our days is few, and that we never know how many we have until they are ended. We need to make the most of them, not in futile pursuits, but in loving our neighbors as we love ourselves, and loving God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength.

If you would like to donate to help the victims of the tsunami, I can recommend two organizations wholeheartedly:

• World Concern is a Christian relief organization based in Seattle, Washington. I have relatives that have worked for World Concern in some of the most poor and difficult places on the earth, including Bangladesh, Nepal and Afghanistan. It is a wonderful organization, committed to bringing help to the poorest of the poor.
• World Vision is based near my home, in Federal Way, Washington. I know people that work for World Vision personally, and I can vouch for the organization's honesty and integrity. World Vision is another organization that helps people in the most difficult circumstances.

Both of the organizations are worthy recipients of your donations and will make sure that your money is spent wisely and responsibly to help those in need.

Ringing in the New Year

Since I was so busy right up until the Christmas holiday, I didn't have a chance to write anything, so I just want to take a minute to wish everyone that reads this a blessed New Year. May the coming year bring joy and peace to all of us.

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