Today, after a long day, I set about closing down my little
store for the day. I cleaned up some Cheerios a little one had dropped, lined
up the trucks and cars the last round of toddlers had been playing with, and
wrapped a few gifts for my own children’s Christmas. I re-hung a few ornaments
an enthusiastic toddler had pulled down, turned out the lights, and headed home
to my family.
When I arrived home, I learned of the terrible events that had transpired this
morning, in Connecticut. Every channel, every headline screamed the terrible
news. I held my daughter, and wept for the parents that would not be able to do
so tonight.
I am sure that I am not the only person who wonders how we
can live in a world where innocence could be a target. I am sure that I am not the only parent who
is angry about the ease with which something like this could even happen. I am sure that I am not the only mother who
has cried for those lost today.
It is easy to be angry.
It is easy to be frightened for our own children’s safety. It is easy to wonder how God could ever let
this happen. It is impossible not to.
And yet, there is not one of us who hasn’t thanked God that it wasn’t
here – in our town – in our children’s school.
It is beyond what we, as parents, can even comprehend.
In the face of such tragedy, what can we do?
We can hold our loved ones a little tighter. We can pray for those who are affected. We
can teach our own children that the world is still a wonder, and that evil will
not win. And we can shut out the noise
and fear, and confusion that is on every channel and in every paper today, that
would rob us of our peace.
Our thoughts are with the lost and the survivors of this
day.
Our hopes and prayers are for peace, for them - and for us -
tomorrow.
