PUTTING THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE

As the unfolding tragedy and drama of the Queensland floods continues to shock us with its sheer magnitude and power and all consuming nature, it’s amazing how the petty things we turn into major concerns on a day to day basis, or the things we believe we simply can’t live without, pale into insignificance in the light of the trauma so many are experiencing at the moment.

The great Aussie spirit has risen again, as it always does in times of natural disaster in a determined effort to bring relief to those caught up in its fury. Between bushfires and drought around the country and now floods affecting so much of the State, police, council and state emergency workers, defense forces and volunteers go all out to bring about the best outcome from the worst of circumstances.

Neighbours helping neighbours, whether they know them or not, people in safe locations taking in family and friends which could be for significantly more than a few days, going out of their way to make sure all are accounted for. Who will be able to forget the image of the front end loader bringing a bucket full of people to safety through the rising waters.

The crisis is far from over, the cleanup in physical terms will take months, the rebuilding of homes, businesses and infrastructure will take years, but for many the emotional toll will be felt for even longer. The individual stories we have seen on television coverage are just a fraction of what has been experienced, for each person will have their own story to tell, one they will need someone to hear if they are to come to terms with such a catastrophic event.

Millions of dollars have already been raised for flood relief, but the appeal continues with this latest development adding to what was already a monumental disaster throughout regional Queensland. For those of us miles away who are safe and dry, the very least we could do would be to spare a few dollars to help someone get back on their feet.

So, spare a thought and prayer for those who I doubt will get very little sleep tonight. Pray for those who have lost loved ones, those who are missing and those who are awaiting news of those who are missing. It will be a long night to endure, and tomorrow’s prospects are far from good, with dawn I suspect only revealing more devastation as new pictures are brought to our screens.

And keep praying, this will be no easy fix.