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In the aftermath of tragedy, take comfort in love of God
 
The bombings in Boston, the explosions near Waco, are all happening during a week already laced with several tragic anniversaries.

April 16 was the date of the shootings at Virginia Tech; on April 19 the Oklahoma City bombings took place, along with the burning of the Branch Davidian camp – in Waco. In 1989, a gun turret exploded aboard the USS Iowa and 47 sailors were killed; in 1980, I saw my oldest brother for the very last time as he was killed in a car accident that night.

And on April 20 several students died in Columbine High school, when Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris killed 13 people and themselves.

When events like this occur, our thoughts end up going in so many different directions because we just can’t process all the hurt and tragedy. We want to know the whos, the whys and then we want to lay blame, thinking it will make things better. We want reasons, explanations and retaliation, and then we expect peace to settle in.
But somehow, it doesn’t.

While the victims of these tragedies wade through their grief day by day, the rest of us carry on with barely a prayer for the hurting families. We acknowledge their pain, thank God that it wasn’t us and then head into the day with little thought of how our lives would change if we were walking into the grocery store and a bomb went off.

How should these events change our lives? I’m glad you asked.
First of all, it should make us realize how blessed we are. Waking up with a roof over our heads, food in our fridge and clothes on our backs makes us wealthy folks. But then to say good morning to our son or kiss our spouse goodbye for the day is a privilege we often take for granted.

Second, we should be thankful for these blessings. What if you woke up tomorrow with only the things you thanked God for today? Whoa – there would be a lot of naked, homeless, hungry people in this world with no families, no job and no transportation. Who do you think provided all the things you enjoy in life? If you don’t know, keep reading.

Finally, these events should be a lightning rod that sparks a desire to know God more. No matter what your opinion is, the Truth is, God created it all. He created this world, He created you and He has a glorious plan for your life. He’s pursuing you. He wants to be in the middle of your life.

While you’re slopping around in the muck, mire and sorrow of this world, He wants to swoop down and pull you out of it and put you on solid ground. He wants to prepare a place for you to spend eternity, a place that is designed just for you – yes, YOU – your own little corner of heaven.

In the wake of these tragic events, turn around and feel God’s loving arms around you. He loves you, child. He wants to spend time with you. He wants to comfort you.

There’s nothing you’ve done that will make Him love you less. He’s God, and He simply loves you.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Those with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.
4/25/2013