Of tidal waves and tsunamis

Tragedy has struck our beautiful island today. I never thought I would see the day, but it has. Tremors from neighbouring Sumatra has brought about a tidal wave to our shores and also to our other neighbours in Asia. So far 11 people have died here in Penang and the number is rising.
In my small comfortable world, I have been blissfully ignorant of the plight of the people who may live just across the border or across the ocean. Until it happens right here, I can think of no other words than this is truly a wake up call. I have been so painfully naive that I had no idea of even what was a tidal wave. The first I heard of it was this afternoon when I received a text message from a friend. Dismissing it as nothing, I prepared myself for what I felt was a well-deserved nap. Later on, however, I received another message from a very reliable source i.e. a good friend confirming what had happened. In my sleep-deprived condition, I called him and thereafter proceeded to demonstrate my utter lack of knowledge on anything concerning tidal waves or tsunamis, as they are known in some parts of the world. Shame on me..
After hanging up the phone, I looked out my window and observed my surroundings. Everything looked normal. The sun was shining, the weather was calm...there was nothing to indicate what had just happened just on the other side of the island. A thought then struck me. This indeed is a sign of the end times and what have I done to prepare for it? Everyday I live my life as if I intend to live on this earth forever. Sometimes I tend to forget that the earth is the Lord's, and just like He created it, he can take it away in just the blink of an eye. Nothing is impossible.
We should all be aware that life indeed is very fragile. Just as God created the earth, so He created us in His image and just like He can destroy the earth, our days here are numbered. A scary thought, but so real. The reality of it all just hits home. Indeed, a true wake up call.

"For I, the Son of Man, will come in the glory of my Father with his angels and will judge all people according to their deeds. And I assure you that some of you standing here right now will not die before you see me, the Son of Man, coming in my kingdom."
Matthew 16:27-28 (NLV)