Aurora Theater

This morning, an armed murderer invaded a crowded movie theater for the midnight showing of the latest Batman movie.  Thus far, twelve have died and at least 38 more were wounded.  They've apprehended the killer.  What happens next, I don't know.  I know my heart cries for those in attendance.  Whether they were killed, injured, or escaped, none of them will ever be the same.  I lift up prayers for them and their families.

I will not let this madman cause me to live a life in fear.  I will not quit going to the movies or public places because a deranged lunatic has an agenda.  I will raise my son to be diligent and deliberate and aware of his surroundings.  But I will not raise him to live in terror of the what-ifs and unknowns.  I know some people say "when it's your time, it's your time."  I would simply say, "you never know what tomorrow holds."

God may know when you will pass away.  But His knowledge doesn't mean it is His plan or intent.  Free will comes into play.  God knew that man will kill.  But it was never His plan.  So we must live each of our days, each moment, with intention.  You may not die tomorrow.  But your job may disappear.  Or you may get unexpectedly promoted.

Not knowing what the future holds is a scary thing.  But it doesn't have to be.  I know many people who live life waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Waiting for bad things to happen.   And sometimes, they do.  But sometimes, Cinderella gets her first shoe back.  And on the other end of that shoe is happiness.

Just like after 9/11, we all have a choice.  We can let chaos and fear and others dictate our lives.  Or we can link arms and set our jaws in determination.  We cannot control the actions of others.  But we can control our own.  And we can control our response.  We can choose to press on.  We can choose to live each day with purpose, love, joy, intent, and kindness.  We can choose to be bold.  To speak and act for those who cannot do for themselves.  We can choose to speak truth, tempered by lovingkindness.  We can choose to disagree with one another and still act respectfully.

So I choose today to hug my son and husband extra-tight.  To tell them once more how much they mean to me.  To know that tomorrow isn't guaranteed.  But I will live this moment to its fullest.  I will not withdraw.  I will not be passive or a spectator in my own life.  I will resolve to be proactive in all I do and all I am.  I will love God with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind.  I will have joy for today and hope for tomorrow.