Unstable Ground

I recently found out about a city just south of Naples, Italy called Pozzuoli. Pozzuoli is famous for its beautiful bay, but also for something else. It is the most earthquake-prone place in the world.

Pozzuoli can experience up to 4,000 tremors in a single year! Talk about being unstable! The only thing I can think of that is possibly more unstable is your life and mine.

Everyday our lives seem to be on unstable ground. The unexpected seems to happen all the time, from a car accident, a traffic jam, illness, or the death of a loved one. These unexpected events can wreak havoc in our lives just as much as an earthquake can.

This coming week marks the one-year anniversary of the death of my four-year-old niece who died of health issues from when she was born.

It was a moment in my family’s life that, although we knew it was possible, it was still unexpected, kind of like living in an area with earthquakes.

But in all moments of tragedy, we remember, and we rebuild. For my family, we find comfort in Angelina’s baptism, and that she was and still is a child of God. We know Jesus loved her enough to become her saviour.

I may not be ready for the next earthquake in my life, but I do know that God will be by my side as I remember and rebuild.

Published in Delta Optimist February 22 2013