Giving Thanks, Day 6

To start with, today is hard for me. Being a Military Family member (albeit retired) what hurts one hurts all. I sat in shock yesterday as the (erroneous) news reports came over the air. Now with 13 dead and scores wounded, we learn that the man who was to care for their emotional needs inflicted great bodily harm on them, instead. While the news at first reported his death, he lives. I told Mac, after we had spent an hour hearing the same information regurgitated from different newscasters, that we needed to wait till today, when the facts began to come out. How different are the facts than the supposition? Very. I learned long ago in my work that the only thing you learn from eye witness accounts is that each one has a different version. It will be days before we know all the investigators know, and even then we won't know it all. So, our prayers go out to the surviving injured and their families, and most especially for the families of those killed. God be with them. And some may find what I am about to say very difficult to take. I want God to heal the soul of the shooter. I in fact beseech God on his behalf, to heal that wounded spirit so that in his current state, he may ask the forgiveness of his Maker for the harm he has inflicted. My upbringing tells me that God forgives all. After all, man proposes, God disposes.

Now, for what I am thankful for this morning. I am thankful that my sons and daughters(in-law) are well and uninjured today. I am thankful that my Granddaughter is safe within her school walls and learning the lessons she will need to become a success in her future. I am thankful for the man I married 41 years ago, who spent much of his life (30 years) in the Navy spending many years at sea away from those who loved him most to defend the country he loved the most.Father , I am thankful.
your child

Amen