I simply could not write another blog post without acknowledging the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. Of course being a teacher and a mom this tragedy hit very close to home. Friday afternoon the news of the tragedy rung down the halls of my school like wild fire, sinking each and every one of our hearts. I sat in my classroom putting myself in those teachers shoes, in shock and disbelief. I left campus that day with a tinge of guilt in my heart, but also with a heart of gratitude- oh how lucky was I that I was going down the hill to pick up my precious little girls from preschool. A simple act I take for granted, an act that 20 parents will no longer be able to do. When I saw Lola and Ellie safe in their classroom greeting me with a sweet smile as I walked in, it took all of me to hold back the tears. Tears of JOY that I was able to hug my babies, and man did I hug them tight! My heart aches every time I listen to a NEWS story or see reference to the tragedy on TV and on social media. I read this posting on Facebook tonight and thought I would share it here.
Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate. Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there. They were filled with such joy; they didn't know what to say. They remembered nothing of what had ha
ppened earlier that day. “where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. “This is heaven" declared a small boy. "We’re spending Christmas at God's house”. When what to their wondering eyes did appear, but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near. He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. Then He opened His arms and He called them by name. And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring those children all flew into the arms of their King and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face. And as if He could read all the questions she had He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad. “then He looked down on earth, the world far below He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe, then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, “Let My power and presence re-enter this land! “May this country be delivered from the hands of fools” “I’m taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools! “Then He and the children stood up without a sound. “Come now my children let me show you around. “Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can. And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, “in the midst of this darkness,” I AM STILL THE LIGHT."
May the peace of God, that trancends all understanding guard the hearts and minds of all who are personally affected by this tragedy. (Philippians 4:7)