Saturday, December 15, 2012

No Sense

The killing of innocent people yesterday in Newtown, CT is such a tragedy.  We are all saddened, aghast and shocked that someone could so coldly go into a school with small children and take out as many people as he wanted.
What have we created as a people?

I don't wish to know all the details.  I turned off my TV and won't read the paper.  My worship community is having prayers for the victims and their families today and I will be home in the quiet and pray.  It is unfathomable that the Spirit that lives within us all would allow this to happen.  This is where our humanity and divinity splits.  We can't see the big picture and we couldn't understand it if it was spelled out to us.  As humans, we can only grieve and pray.  We can hold our loved ones closer, add a little joy to others lives by some random act of kindness or just be still and know.

I am wont to go off into political rampages about guns.  We have amendments and all of that.  Mental illness?  More amendments.  I know we are not that tightly wrapped.  Present company included. 

Light a candle in your home today for the kids, the teachers and the community of Newtown, CT.  It's a beautiful place. An idyllic New England town, right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. My cousin lived there for many years and taught in that school.  I know her heart is very heavy carrying around the pictures of the bright shiny faces and the ones that she taught with.  It's legacy has forever changed.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

The Trifecta


Well, Superstorm Sandy came through our area in October, bringing with her destruction and pain.  All of Long Island, New Jersey and parts of Connecticut were touched by her wrath.  Our beautiful Fire Island was so damaged!  I feel for the wildlife that was just washed away.  The different communities of litle cottages to mini mansions haven't see this much destruction since the Hurricane of 1938!

My friends have lost everything.  Photos, family treasures, clothing and refrigerators!  Gone in a matter of hours.  We were lucky in only losing power for a few hours.  Other family members were without power for almost 2 weeks. 

We are intact!  Maybe a little frayed around the edges.  My friend, Craig, who lost his whole first floor, calls it his "Bad Boy Scout Camping Trip."  But he has kept his sense of humor! 

As we look towards the end of 2012, it's been a doozie.  Good Bye, Good Riddance and don't come back!  To those who are still living in hotels, not able to get into their homes for the holidays, bring them a little cheer.  Send a card to a soldier.  Keep your loved ones nearby.  Give a smile to a stranger in the grocery store.

The Trifecta is simple:  We need to take care of our physical, spiritual and mental health.  When one is compromised, all are in peril.  Keep the Faith, all!  Have a Blessed time with all the people you love this holiday season and keep each other in your prayers.  They'll do the same for you.