“Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net”
Tonight as my husband and I were on our way home from the youth ministry we lead, we passed a local ice cream shop. I saw happy teenagers on skateboards eating ice cream cones. People were laughing and sharing what looked to be like joyous conversations. We are a small city at peace.
There has been no peace in Boston the last few days and my heart aches for the victims and their families.
At the same time as I was noticing all the people at the ice cream shop, we were listening to the news regarding the capture of the second man responsible for the Boston bombings. It is doubtful there are happy people congregating at ice cream shops in Boston tonight.
I am forever grateful for brave men and women who risk their lives each and every day for citizens they don’t know. The fact that these brave people are able to do what they do is a gift from God. All too often, we recognize gifts being somehow “art” related. Musicians, actors, and writers come to mind when thinking of talent. We recognize chefs for the beautiful and tasty presentation on our plates. We honor sports figures for their abilities to shoot, throw, or kick a ball. Anyone who entertains us we praise.
Today, I want us to recognize what a God-given-gift it is to be able to risk life and limb each day to protect a society of people who are strangers. Thank you to every police officer, fire fighter, EMT worker, and all I haven’t mentioned who work to aid in the protection of cities all over this great nation. You have been given the gift of bravery from a God Who loves you and created you to be exactly who you are. Thank you for walking in those gifts. Thank you for your strength.
I’m praying for healing and peace to rain down over the beautiful city of Boston.
