Hearts Broken

For all of us following the tragic news in Newtown, CT the past several days, it's unfathomable, incomprehensible and simply horrific to even imagine.  How could this happen?  Why?  How could such sweet, beautiful and innocent lives be taken so violently?  We struggle to understand and make sense of it.  Our hearts are broken for those families who lost loved ones and for those who suffered through the sounds and images of those terrifying moments.  May they all be lifted in prayer, love and support in the coming days, weeks and months ahead.

Unfortunately the senseless acts of heartless and evil people force us to reflect on our lives, those around us and our communities in ways we never expected...and it seems to happen more often than it should.  Hopefully we can all find more respect, compassion and support for our fellow man as we rush through our daily lives.  We've gotten away from simply giving the person in a wheel chair a smile and a helping hand through a doorway or the person who walks differently or looks differently a glancing eye instead of a friendly hello.  As we are so close to the holidays and thinking of those parents who have gifts under their trees for their children who will never open them, we have an opportunity to take our broken hearts and show compassion to others.  The neighbor we haven't talked to or the grocery store clerk we see every week or someone in our lives we haven't forgiven yet.  Life is too short.  Life is too precious.  May we have peace on earth and goodwill toward all men (women and children). 

These are the times when we all come together as one...we are all one in humankind...not defined by our race, culture, religious beliefs, etc.  We are all humans who share the same grief over what has happened.  May we hold onto that sensibility not only through the holiday season, but each and every day that we are allowed to grace this earth...because there are sooooo many that aren't granted that opportunity.  May we truly spread peace, joy and love all the days of our lives.  Hugs to all!