Conversations

Daisy and I have been looking at photos and watching news reports online about the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. I know she has been thinking a lot about them because earthquakes have become part of her prayers. Sometimes she prays for the victims of the earthquakes. Most often she prays that the earthquakes will stop or that they won't come here.

The other day on the way to school she asked me what would happen if there were an earthquake. I thought for just a moment before responding. Should I remind her of the Family Emergency plan we just revised, a copy of which she carries in her backpack? Should I remind her of the case lot sale and the canned food in our storage room? Whether it was the best answer or not, I gave her the answer that made me feel the most comfortable. I told her that we don't need to worry about it because there would probably never be an earthquake here. Then I told her that if there were an earthquake, Heavenly Father would protect us and everything would be ok. She was silent as she contemplated what I said. Then, I was surprised and taken aback when she quietly asked, "Mom, who makes the earthquakes?"

I tried to give her a kindergarten version of plate tectonics, but I knew that this was not what she was asking. I don't know all the reasons why God allows disasters to happen, but I know that everything happens for a reason. I don't know why the science of prediction is not more accurate, but I know that if we are prepared there is no need to fear. I don't know why some people live and others die, but I know that when we put our trust in Christ we will have peace. I don't know exactly what would happen to Daisy if an earthquake occurred here. More than anything else, I want her to know Who she can turn to. More than emergency plans and earthquake drills and preparedness, I want her to know that in any situation at any point in her life, she is entitled to the comfort and direction that comes from Jesus Christ through the Holy Ghost.

Like I wrote in her journal last night, I look forward to many more of these questions that I'm not sure how to answer. In the meantime, I'll keep praying that I will find the right thing to say.