End of world?

This weekend I was riding with my kids as the rain continued to come down. It has rained for so many days now. The regional weather has been packed for tornados, hail, strong winds and more rain. My kids asked me "is this how God will destroy the world dad?" I had to explain, that in spite of how bad it seems... no God won't destroy the world this way... He already did that.
I explained, that in the end... God will destroy it all by fire.
Man did that get the attention!

But it got me thinking. There have been, many, many storms, earthquakes, natural disasters these past few months. For many people it would seem like their "life" is over, and yet they live among the pain and destruction. I wonder how many others out in the world are like my kids actually wonder, not knowing if this is the end of it all.

Gas prices keep rising, job market gets smaller and smaller, natural forces and spiritual forces are in battle.
Something has got to give, sometime, some day.

I wonder sometimes, "how close to the end of the age are we?"
But even as I think that, it ignites a fire with in me to stay on mission and reach this world for God. Time is slipping by.

I wonder, If I'm the only thinking these things.... or are we all having the same thoughts?