Do Hard Things

I want to say something about Sandy Hook Elementary.

The problem is, I have no idea what to say.  As both a teacher and a mom of sweethearts, just thinking about this tragedy makes me feel truly sick.

I rarely put my opinion out there because I'm scared.  However, my "hard thing" in writing about these losses pales in comparison to the hard times that the victims are facing, so I feel that I should anyway.

The problem, again, is that I have no idea what to say.  I don't have anything close to an answer here.

All I can think to say is pray.  Pray for the victims families.  Pray for the children and adults who made it through that day, but will have this in their lives forever.  Pray for the town.  Pray for our country.  Pray for the first responders.  Pray for the staff.  Pray for all the teachers and students all over the country.  Pray for parents everywhere.  Praise God for the heroes.  Even if you aren't sure who or what you're praying to, pray.

If you have sweet children at home, love them.  Really love them.  Give them your time and attention.  Tell them you love them.  Hold their hands.  Sing them songs.  Tell them that they're wonderful.  All.The.Time.

If you don't have sweet children at home then love the ones around you.  Smile.  Be patient.  Don't be quick to criticize.  Try to keep and preserve a young child's innocent and trusting views on humanity despite what yours may be.  It takes a village.

This week, try to do hard things for the sake of people.  Try not to react quickly and impulsively.  Love can be hard to do sometimes, but try.  That is something that I will be focusing on this week, if you want to you can join me.

If you want to give some other way, I think that this link is one way that can help...  I am sure there are more.

http://www.crafting4cause.com/

Here's another blogger who has put together a list of links:

http://www.iloveyoumorethancarrots.com/2012/12/support-sales-donation-links-for-sandy.html