Our Christmas Tree 2012

When I put the lights on our Christmas tree every year, I like to use what I call the “squint test.”  This means that I step back from the tree and squint my eyes once the lights are on to see if there are many points of white light to make our tree shiny and beautiful.

In the wake of yesterday’s shooting massacre, I find myself squinting to see the light again during this holiday season.  My heart aches with prayers for heaven’s newest angels, for their loved ones left behind, for all parents, and for everyone searching for answers in such a violent year full of too many tragedies.  Is it possible to squint real hard to see the light and have some hope?

Life is precious and delicate – a concept put beautifully by Little Miss Wordy in her post yesterday.   I had some rough parenting moments with my 3 year old yesterday, but I quickly got over it when I heard the news.  I feel so blessed as I hugged my children extra hard last night.

In reading friend’s posts on Facebook, everyone expressed their sorrow, pain, fear, sympathy, and love. It’s a scary world out there, and every day is so precious.  I thought this quote from Mr. Rogers helps us look for the light –

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things on the news, my mother would say, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster,’ I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.”

Praying for extra helpers to shine love & light….

– Cathy (Mama O.)