Hold Them Dear.

I too, was in tears over the devastation that occurred in a quiet Connecticut town yesterday. Sometimes the evil and sadness in the world just seems too much. We sat in our CNA class, myself and 9 others plus our instructor, each reading about and taking in the awful news. The room was in a sense of upheaval and all of us, in training to care for and advocate for the basic needs of others, felt the sense of sadness occupy our space. Many people have been writing about the shooting, sensationalizing the killer and his violent actions. Too few people have talked about the families that will forever be affected by the treachery of yesterday-the parents that thought their children were safely at school. There will be unfinished holiday crafts this year, wrapped presents sitting forlornly under Christmas trees, empty beds, chairs and hearts of the parents and siblings who have lost loved ones. It will be a bleak Christmas for these families, and each year after as the joy of the holidays are upon us, they will remember their loss.

For those of us that are bystanders, speak a bit softer to your children this season. Revel in spilled milk, unmade beds and dirty laundry. Laugh and play together, and cherish what you have. Hold your family dear. And pray. Pray for those that are not as lucky as you. Draw close, and be joyful for what you have. Remember that God is present even in the darkest days. Perhaps you can find a way to show Him to others...