I know I am not the only one who feels this enormous pain when the pictures of the slain children and heroic adults of Newtown CT come up on my lap top screen. It’s heart breaking!
I cannot even fathom the wrenching grief the parents and families are enduring.
It is so wrong. So unnecessary. Evil. Wicked. Babies! They were just babies!
So was the killer at one time.
Then I think of his father and brother. Their grief is just as deep but it’s different. It’s a grief of responsibility because, although they had nothing to do with it, they are tied to this cold-blooded killer genetically.
Looking at the different photographs, I wondered what the stories were behind those faces of innocence and sweetness. A hundred funny anecdotes, moving stories, sickness, close calls… All the hugs, smiles, reprimands and encouragement that went into each life. How was that unsuspecting last morning? Normal? Unusual? How could they have possibly dreamed that it would be their last? What did they have for breakfast? What did they wear? How did they sleep? Untimely ripped from their circle of life.
This whole incident has been extremely sobering. Life is short and unpredictable. Tonight might be the last few hours with my child. Therefore, let my words be measured, let my rebuke be corrective and without resentment, let my affection be boundless. There is no guarantee, no certainty. I only have the moment and I must make it count and not forget that it just may be my last.
It seems as if the world is getting more and more cruel in its whirlpool of social devolution. Despite all the increase in knowledge and technology, the increase in evil and corruption seems to exceed. No one is safe anymore. Not even in a quiet little town like Newtown.
As cautious as I am with my children – and I do protect them the best I can. But after all is said and done, I must entrust them to God, for my line of control can only go so far.
I think it’s the same with other relationships: my spouse, my parents, my siblings, my friends. The opportunities we have lie in the moments given. Let not my words or actions hesitate to seize the moment to express love, care and encouragement. It’s not just what I communicate, it’s also what I am silent about that speaks volumes. I am determined to stay true to God and those that are around me. Let my words be those that I will not regret. If I transgress, let me hasten to set it right and seize the moment again.
How important to have no regrets. It’s true, opportunity knocks only once. Then the chance is gone. No matter how hard I look back I cannot regain what I may lose. It is far better to risk taking the chance, rather than postpone it, and thereby, lose it altogether. Evelyn Beatrice Hall, the late nineteenth century English author once said,
” Everyday is a little life, and our whole life is a day repeated. Therefore love every day as if it would be the last.”
I pray that the families who have suffered in this heartless massacre will receive the comfort that only Almighty God can minister and that they so desperately need. I hope they know that around the world are people who offer their hearts, thoughts and prayers for healing to face their tomorrows.
