God.

I feel a little guilty, posting about my happy weekend, when the weekend began with one of the most tragic events to occur during my lifetime.  I can’t fathom the loss and the despair that is being felt by the community in Newton, CT tonight.  Or how dozens of parents will have to spend this Christmas, and many more, without their precious babies.  Really, I can’t imagine. 

Social media, which should be riddled with pictures of Christmas festivities and holiday cheer, are now consumed with thoughts, prayers, politics, gun control, and religion.  Everyone has questions.  Everyone wants answers.  Everyone wants to know how God could let this happen. 

I don’t get it either.  But I know God was – and is – there.  He loves us and is grieving this awful event, too.  He wants us to draw near to Him during this time.  To take solace in His grace and take comfort in the fact that it is He who reigns.  No matter what horrific thing may happen, the battle against evil is already won.  It was won two thousand years ago when a little baby, born in a manger, came to Earth for a short time and later died upon a wooden cross, taking away our sins so that we could live in Heaven with him some day.  A perfect place.

I feel like this is all very easy for me to say, as a mother whose son is snuggled up next to her.  In his Spiderman pajamas.  Full of life.  Energetic and spirited.  Who I will kiss and tuck into bed tonight. 

And, I’m at an absolute loss for how to conclude this post.  I don’t think any words could adequately wrap up my writing with a neat little bow and let that be the end of it. 

So, I’ll end with His words instead…

Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

John 14:18 No, I will not abandon you or leave you as orphans in the storm-I will come to you.

Hug your favorites a little closer tonight.