Tell Them You Love Them

This morning of millions of parents said goodbye to their children as they made their way to school. Some of them lovingly hugged them, or maybe kissed them on the cheek. Others were frazzled. Everything went wrong this morning, the breakfast burned, a new shirt ruined, they were late for work, and their child was whining because they didn't want to go to school. Some maybe said harsh words that they didn't mean because they were stressed. But oh, how each of them loves their children.

Last night there were millions of big brothers and sisters busy at work. It's the end of the semester. Projects and tests are overwhelming even the most dedicated student. Maybe their little brother or sister wanted to play a game with them and started to be annoying. Perhaps they took the time to play, or maybe, in a moment of frustration, they lost their cool and snapped at the child, ordering them to go away. Maybe they promised to play with them the next day. These older brothers and sisters worked late into the night, far past when their young siblings go to sleep, and woke up before them as well. Surely they will have time later to show their beloved brothers and sisters how much they really love them. 

Now the world weeps, and the angels along with them. Today parents were robbed of their children, brothers and sisters were torn away from the siblings who love them. Their last moments with their loved ones vary, but no one expected that their last words would be so final.. They never expected that their brief hug goodbye would be their last. And why would they?

Perhaps today a mother found a perfect gift for her little girl and wrapped it with care. Perhaps a small child was smiling at his friend and classmate, boasting of his plans with his beloved older brother. Perhaps we shared similar moments this morning with our loved ones as many of the victim's families did with theirs. 

Tonight a mother weeps, unable to look at the messy room that was such a big deal this morning. Tonight, a father wishes he had taken a moment  in his busy morning to glance into his child's room and see his sleeping angel. Tonight siblings long for a simple game with their beloved brothers and sisters. Tonight families wish for one more moment to hold their beloved little ones. 

Now God holds those children who were welcomed to their heavenly home far too early as he wipes away his own tears. Tonight he longs for the people of this world to reach out to him so that he might heal their broken hearts.

So tonight, tell your children you love them, call your mother and tell her that you care. Take a moment to play with your sister, or remind your father that you are still daddy's little girl. Hold your loved ones tight and remember that life is fragile. And most importantly, pray. Pray for your sister as she struggles with her class, pray for father that he might return safely from work, pray to have the strength to do what is right, and pray for those whose little ones were so cruelly taken from them.
May we all take the opportunity to show our love more now than ever, and may God grant peace to the hearts of the victim's families.