Human spirit, alive and well

The pictures overwhelming and heartwrenching, the disaster in Japan (as with all disasters) refocuses our attention on the human factor.  We cannot fathom the suffering, pain, loss, grief, but we do witness the human spirit in full force, impressive and heartwarming.  Further, we see only a small portion of what actually happens.  Those who survive, those who volunteer, those who stay the course long after the initial shock draws the world's attention operate with humility and unassuming, limitless generosity.  I see the victims, devastated, dazed but undaunted, digging deep for a plan, a plan for LIFE.  I see the volunteers from all over our world, if not already there and helping, organizing for action, offering whatever they can.  Again, we hear and see reports, but the efforts are massive and long-term and something we should all celebrate longer than the fleeting moments of a news cycle.  Indeed, no shame in moving on and taking care of the tasks at hand, living our own lives, taking care of our own business.  After all, time does not stop, no matter the catastrophe.  Still, in this day and age of conflict and woes that beleaguer us all and a kind of disappointing nastiness that sneaks onto the scene, we need to remind ourselves that at our center lies the precious commodity of the human spirit.  No trade on the stock exchange, no line up ending with "priceless," no measure of any material currency can weigh its worth and power.  The best news?  It's in us all, and it rises to the top naturally when we need it most.  Let's capture the feeling now, connect it with a vivid image, and file it securely.  Then, when people start talking gloom and doom in our everyday lives, whip out that image and remind them and ourselves:  "We got this covered, thank you.  We'll find a way."