Since the tsunami hit Japan last week, I have watched more than my fair share of CNN. I have seen the before-and-after footage showing absolute devastation, and I feel immense sadness for the people of Japan.

I see so many sorrowful faces. Even the young children feel the changes around them in a profound way. You can see a knowing on their small faces.

In a very short period of time, families were damaged and in some cases irrevocably broken.

Rebuilding will take time, time that feels like an eternity. And their immediate need is food and water.

Add to that the worry of radiation exposure from the damaged nuclear power plant.

Many more stories will come with time. Some will be wonderful tales of miracles and lost family members finding each other against all odds. Other stories will be tragic and painful to hear. There will be losses that will be felt for a lifetime. I pray for more of the miracles.

With an open and saddened heart, I pray for those affected by the earthquakes and tsunami in Japan.

I will also count my blessings knowing that lives can be changed in an instant.