making sense


I, like so many others, have been attempting to make sense of the shooting in Connecticut yesterday. There is no sense, 27 people, most of them young children, whose lives were cut short. It does bring to mind the bible verse that states, no man knows the hour or the day God will call him home (paraphrased). Life is indeed precious. Unfortunately, it is a lesson we need to relearn, again and again.

 The irony of this is, with the holiday season upon us (Christmas or Hanukah or Kwanza) we will still hear the harsh comments people make about the fact they “have to” spend time with family. Everyone has the family member or friend that can push her buttons, be thankful for the button pushers in your life, they won’t be here forever. They also (hopefully) teach us patience and diplomacy. Be thankful for everyone in your life and let them know you appreciate them. We need to build and rebuild the human spirit on a regular basis. This world and Satan seek to keep us beaten down and pitiful. As Christians, we are to be lights in the world, lighten someone’s day, make it a goal to snuff out darkness wherever you are.

We face challenging times as this world feels like it is spinning out of control. Let us hold onto that which grounds us and gives us a secure foundation; the saving love of Jesus Christ. While we are on this earth, let us live lives of love that will permeate every nook and cranny of this globe.

These, the final two stanzas of Amazing Grace by John Newton, are a beautiful summation of a Christian perspective of death and eternal life.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

 
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