The Back Side of the Tapestry

I've been sitting here, trying to work on Moriah's eight-month post (which is already nearly a week overdue), but I'm having a hard time of it.  My thoughts keep turning to the horrific school shooting in Connecticut that happened earlier today, an event that is almost incomprehensible.  

So many thoughts have rushed through my head today.  So many people have weighed in on the topic, expressing shock and horror at what transpired, saying what America has done wrong that has led to a culture where these kinds of mass shootings continue to occur, giving promises of continued prayer for the families in days to come, and so forth.  What more can I say?

Only this:  I still believe that God is weaving a beautiful tapestry out of the events of our lives; and just because a day like today comes along when all I can see is a big tangled mess of a knot made out of the ugliest thread you ever saw, that doesn't mean the Master Weaver dropped the shuttle.  It might, however, mean that my vision is restricted, and all I can see is the underneath of the tapestry.  Sometimes I catch glimpses of the top of the design where the beauty is apparent and all the woven threads make sense, and it's easy to applaud the Weaver.  But even on these back-side-only days, I still trust His hand, His plan, His ability to bring something glorious out of something so horrible.

I cling to that, even when my heart aches.  And tonight I, like nearly every other parent across our country, squeeze my own kids a little tighter and tell them "I love you, good night!" a little more tenderly.  Then I cry out to God in gratitude that the tapestry He's weaving for me includes these five sweet children who are alive and well and safely tucked in their beds tonight.

Maybe tomorrow I'll get to Moriah's eight-month post.  For tonight it is enough to mourn with those who mourn, pray for their comfort, and say thank you for my precious little ones.