Those of us living in New Zealand have been shocked and distraught at the recent devastation in Christchurch caused by the earthquake last week. The loss of life and destruction caused to buildings, infrastructure and business are beyond belief.

Ase we move through our daily lives we can become lulled into a false sense of security and get wrapped up in our little dramas. We often loose perspective about just how exposed we really are to the viscitudes of Mother Nature and our environment generally. We have lost respect for the blue planet we inhabit believing that we are superior and in control of things. How wrong could we be!

All it takes is a single event lasting only a few seconds and all our illusory security is exposed for what it really is – out of control ego!

As technologically advanced as we are we are really no match for the full force of nature which has a tendency at regular intervals to bring us to our knees.

Yet out of all the death, injury and destruction right throughout the world its at times like these that we see the very best of our humaneness as the global community pulls together to lend a helping hand with teams from Australia, Japan, UK, USA and China and elsewhere sending tangible help in our time of need.

Imagine what our world would look like if this co-operative spirit existed all the time instead of just when disaster befalls us?

Even within New Zealand the outpouring of sympathy, support and help has been staggering – people all doing what they can to contribute towards helping others in need.

This is the sort of Country and world that I want to live in. It makes you glad to be alive!