This Week . . .

I'm pretty sure that no matter where you are in this great country of ours, throughout this past week you've experienced a similar roller coaster of emotions.

On Monday, we watched as the horrific tragedy unfolded in Boston. We mourned with those who mourned. We questioned how anyone could do anything so heinous and so heartless. Our hearts broke for those lost and for those who lost so much.

On Wednesday, we were faced with the unbelievable catastrophe that took place in West, Texas. West is just a couple hours from our home. It's a small town, just like so many small towns scattered throughout Texas. Texas has never seemed so small to so many as it did on Wednesday night. The reality of what happened was very much like a slap in the face.

As, the world watched the events in both Boston and West unfolded, and the fragility of life became ever more apparent. We all held our loved ones a bit closer.

On Thursday into Friday, we witnessed a man hunt with terrifying implications. What if this man wasn't found? How long would the people of Boston remain on alert behind locked doors with blinds drawn and nerves on edge.

And Friday night, we celebrated with all of Boston. We celebrated the capture of someone who had caused so much pain. We celebrated the resiliency of our country and the freedoms we appreciate. Through the tears there were smiles.

Through it all, I am reminded that no matter what this world brings, no matter what is thrown at us, there is one thing that will never change, that will never waver or falter . . . God's love and forgiveness. Some may question how a good God could allow such awful things to happen. It's a common question often spoken in anger. But we live in a fallen, imperfect world, a world where sin is ever present, and where bad things do happen. God does not cause them nor does it change the fact that His love for us is both pure, good, and absolute. We may not know all the answers this side of Heaven, but of His love I am beyond certain.

^{From 1 Corinthians 13}

¹² For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

¹³ And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.