Changing Landscape

The pix snapped in less than a month ago shows the calm, serene and peaceful environment in a lake in Shangri-la, Yunnan, China. However, in recent weeks, the severe weather conditions in some parts of the world such as China have created havoc and disrupted the lives of thouands of commuters, delivery of goods etc... In other words, we encounter change. Change is inevitable and unavoidable. We need to know how to cope and manage the changes that are taking place within and around us. It's almost a month into 2008 already. In the New Year, some of us would have to manage the transitions in terms of change in career, marriage, additions to the family and including the tragic loss of loved ones. As I write this, I share the grief of a couple who had just lost their 5 year old child yesterday. Their son had fits last Wed, then developed fever on Friday and within 2 days, lapsed into coma. Then he passed away on Tuesday! How do the parents and loved ones cope with such a loss (change)? It's certainly painful and difficult. What kind of message or word can bring comfort at such a time like this? For the rest of this year, will we focus on being sensitive to the changes in and around us and resolve to face each change with hope and courage and to help those around us cope with change by offering our prayers, a listening ear or a helping hand?