peace

We are all still reeling in the traumatic Connecticut situation.  This has been so incredibly shocking.  I do have to share one thought this morning and then I will take one more day to process it all,mostly out of respect, and move forward.  At church yesterday, it was mentioned that the news reported some people were taking down their Christmas decorations because they felt guilty for celebrating Christmas at such a time of mourning and pain.  I wholeheartedly feel that Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ, who is the King of all Peace.  Rather than let this shooter "win", I think that we should all carry on, as best we can.  Christmas is for children, Christmas is a celebration of the life of Christ.  We need the joy back in our holiday season.  We need to carry on for the children, for ourselves, for our nation.  It was so hard to send my kids out the door this morning.  We've been together all weekend.  Letting them go out alone was "different" this morning.  But, we can't let the bad guy "win".  EVER.  EVER.

I saw this on Facebook, as most everyone probably has.  It definitely adds an improved perspective to this tragedy.

 

twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

ETA:  On second thought, I'm feeling the need to express some gratitude in my own life.

Today, I am thankful for:

six children, young and old, who, although are as different as day and night from each other, I love and adore

a husband who is my best friend, who makes me laugh, who blankets me in love and security every day

family, who, regardless of dynamics, are forever

more friends than I could count or name who influence me every day of my life...with laughter, with love, with joy and who teach me by their shining examples

a healthy body (bad knees, "broken" foot and all) that allows me to serve my family, my friends and community

a right brain that doesn't rest because it's always busy creating something exciting for the future of my closest circles...whether it be the next holiday gathering or a tablescape just for fun

the opportunity to live in one of the most beautiful places on this earth, Cache Valley.  "Cache" means safe in french.  A location never more perfectly name.

my testimony of Christ, our Savior and His gospel, which includes the Plan of Salvation.  It brings me peace and comfort and understanding in difficult times, no matter what.

a loving Heavenly Father who understands me, knows my short-comings and loves me anyway.

There's something about focusing on what is good in life that always makes things better.  

Comments

[susan]

Thank you so much posting this. I have NOT seen this on FB so I reposted it there. I have imagined such a scene but loved in this poem, the Lord's looking down at the world. It was touching.