Not a Victim but a Victor
Attitudes at this time of year are tell-tale; the holidays are not always cheerful. Some people may be facing the first Christmas without a beloved family member. Others may be afraid that the dark memories of last year will poison this year’s celebration. Many people are alone or isolated. Still more are just stressed, tired, and financially overextended from the expectation of living up to Martha Stewart -esque festivities.
But then we see the tragedy of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT replayed and analyzed on television or filling up our Facebook feeds and it seems like there is no sense in the world, only evilness.
However, I can’t help but try to see a silver lining in this horror. In the fallout of Friday’s crisis, people are pulling closer to their loved ones, reaching out to help those whose lives were forever affected, taking a moment to slow down and be a little kinder than necessary, and cherishing the minute details of life.
And aren’t those things that bring us happiness in the long run? Isn’t a feeling of support and togetherness what the season is all about? Unquestionably, a mass shooting is horrible and distressing, but please don’t let this incident make you bitter; let it make you better. Let it give you the opportunity to reach out, to share, to mourn, to pray, to connect, to contribute, and most of all, to show love