The End of the School Year

 

The kids ended the school year this week. They were excited and enjoyed all the end of the year festivities! They love seeing their friends everyday and they all three really enjoyed their teachers which I am thankful for. Mrs. Thompson even told us on the last day of school Levi randomly walked up and hugged her while she was at her desk. Its tradition for character awards to be given by teachers to each student at the end of school year. Levi received tender –hearted, Sadie received determination (not the first time!) and Leighton received encouragement. The teachers really do get to know them during the year!

Leighton's 5th grade class above

Example of Levi drawing and writing the names of our small group (when he was spying out the window)

Levi's kindergarten class with the teacher aid Mrs. Murtha. 

Levi's last day of school park party. Wes drove them and they got silly in the car listening to rock music. 

 

But this week was also so heavy in other ways. While my kids were enjoying the end of the year festivities, other families sent their kids to school in Ulveda TX and will not get them home again. The mass shooting definitely causes fear, anxiety, confusion and mourning this week. I was also scheduled to lead prayer at church this Sunday so if it is helpful, sharing my prayer below.

 

 

Lord, 

I know I’m not alone today as we come before you enraged, confused and physically sick with recent events in our country and around the world. In the last two weeks alone there has been senseless, incomprehensible evil acts in Buffalo NY, Lugana Woods, CA and Ulveda TX. The ongoing acts of taking life is overwhelming and we are left wondering why, what is happening and what can be done. I feel shock, confusion, grief, despair and helplessness.

First let us stop and mourn. May we mourn and weep the precious lives lost to murder. Lives created in your image...with the families, friends, and parents who have been killed.

PAUSE 

Lord be their consolation.

Its another week of being reminded what a broke and lost world we live in. And despite our sinfulness, you love us and your creation. We know we have a tendency when faced with tragedy or sin to blame, fear, become angry, or be inactive/apathetic or numb. Make us a church that is a place of refuge, light, love and hope in this darkness.  From the words of a liturgy “Even in the shadow of tragedy, let us not lose hope. Give us eyes to see the rapid movements of mercy rushing to fill these newly wounded spaces.” Make us a nation and people full of wisdom on how to move to action where needed while also peace in you as the God of Justice simultaneously.

Lord have mercy. Hear our Cry! Heal our sin-sick souls. We also pray for the people contemplating evil now, that they may repent and believe in You. Transform murder into lives lived for you.   Bring all knees to fall before you proclaiming You are Lord.

from the Psalmist from chp 46:

God is our refuge and strength,
a helper who is always found
in times of trouble.^(B)
2 Therefore we will not be afraid,
though the earth trembles
and the mountains topple
into the depths of the seas,^(C)
3 though its water roars and foams
and the mountains quake with its turmoil.^{(D) 4} There is a river—
its streams delight the city of God,
the holy dwelling place of the Most High.^(E)
5 God is within her; she will not be toppled.
God will help her when the morning dawns.^(F)

⁶ Nations rage, kingdoms topple;
the earth melts when he lifts his voice.^(G)
7 The Lord of Armies is with us;
the God of Jacob is our stronghold.^(H)Selah

Lord you offer us riches of grace and sight to see and we respond with nah, I’m good. No need. I have my opinions, education, positions, and personal righteousness. Forgive us. We know nothing and your ways are best and higher. And amazingly our brokenness doesn’t surprise you. Thank you for not being content to allow us to remain self-sufficient and self-deceived. Thank you for offering yourself as we patiently endure your return.