...without warning

Oh dear! It's so very difficult to know how to write this. I want to describe the enormous sense of loss I feel in my heart with the news that over 20,000 people are dead this weekend in Old Burma, and another 45,000 are missing, following the devastation of a cyclone across the peninsular. The satellite before and after photographs are an utter nightmare, the after photograph showing the entire south-eastern coast and inland lying under the Indian Ocean. They never had a chance, it hit without warning.

So how do you go about planting out the sweet peas, and building a trellis for the tender young plants? Where do you find the importance of teaching 12-14 year-olds Classical Latin? How can I carelessly tumble on the ground with the puppy dogs, while we play tug-o'-war with an old sock?

Because life is so very fragile, and there are no guarantees of tomorrow or even the next moment. Therefore, it's up to each one of us to live life to the fullest. We can't afford to waste a single moment on self- pity, self-importance or selfishness in whatever form it may materialize. It's up to each one of us to egg the next generation on, demonstrating every day, the preciousness of life, showing them through our actions, not our words, how to live the abundant life.

So, call up the Red Cross or Samaritan's Purse, those organizations who are on the cutting edge, to find out how you can help the survivors of this cataclysmic event, then go out and plant your sweet peas, while you whisper a prayer.