RIPPLES

Have you ever thrown a stone into a lake and watched the ripples spread into larger and larger circles?  Watching, until the ripples again return to a smooth surface.  That is how our community feels today.  Except the ripples continue to reach further and further.

At 7:10 the community was calm.  People were going to work.  People were talking and drinking coffee.  People were sending their children to school.  And then the stone was thrown into the water.

At 7:15 a vehicle did not stop and, while crossing the road to get on the bus, three children were killed and one injured.  A nine year old and six year old, twin siblings were killed and the ripples began.  The ripples are still moving.  There is no calm.  No smooth surface. 

In a split second, lives changed forever.  And I can only imagine…..

I spoke with one friend, who has buried a child, and her prayers immediately went out to the parents.  She talked from her heart and experience.  I lift up the parents in prayer.  May you find strength to breathe.  May you find courage to move.  May you find comfort in your faith.

I saw pictures of the scene.  A school bus no longer headed to school.  I lift up the bus driver and students who were on the bus in prayer.  May you find rest when you close your eyes.  May you be surrounded by those who can help you understand the tragedy. 

There were police cars and ambulances and a helicopter.  Each filled with those who would have to do their job, fill out the forms, talk to everyone and be strong while doing so.  It is what they are trained to do.  I lift up the police and EMTs in prayer.  May you always serve with courage and strength, but with compassion and gentleness.  May you find a healthy way to relieve the stress and images of your job. 

I saw the truck that hit the children and I wondered why.  I still wonder but I have heard the driver is a good woman.  I lift up the driver in prayer.  May you find the courage to be truthful as you answer questions and try to figure out how this could happen. 

I could picture the school.  Administrators advising teachers.  Teachers telling students.  Students confused.  I lift up the school in prayer.  May the staff and counselors find the words to comfort the children.  May the children not be afraid.  May the staff and counselors find a way to stay strong but allow themselves a time to grieve.

My day started with a nice smooth surface.  Friends having coffee.  Then the phone rang.  Conversation stopped as we heard about the accident.  The accident was like a stone thrown into the lake.  A ripple began.  A ripple that will last a lifetime.

We often think communities are small areas, but when something like this happens we are all a community.  We all question.  We all grieve.  We all want to hold our children and never let them go.