Reflection on the Bombing

I found myself standing there, looking out at the vast expanse of buildings and chilly blue waters of Lake Michigan, wondering how in the world I became so blessed, and so fortunate. Good health, good family and friends, and the advantages of being raised in a middle-waged family.

I went to visit my friend Taylor in Chicago this past weekend, and of course I enjoyed myself. The scenes were awe-inspiring, the pizza was like a gift from God, the shopping was fabulous. And I had every intention of blogging about it as soon as I got back. Then the bombings in Boston happened, and I realized how silly and petty it would be of me to post something about my vacation when there is such suffering going on right now. So instead, I would like to take a moment to pray for those affected by the bombings: friends, family, and strangers alike. Tragedies such as these never go unnoticed.

When things like this happen, I realize that I could die any day. Life is such a short, fragile being, and my life isn't any more important than anyone else's in the eyes of a killer. It's very sobering for me to think about how blessed I have been in my life up to this point, and how fortunate I am to have the opportunities I have been given. Not everyone else has these chances, not everyone else is going to make it.

It isn't fair that people think they have the right or the power to take another's life. Nobody on Earth has that right. All life is precious and it is a shame that so many people are oblivious to that fact. But I don't like being the Debby Downer, especially in times like this. I like looking forward to the future, yet enjoying the present and fondly reflecting on the past. All time is sacred, because we are only given so much time. So don't spend this time complaining about how bad the world is unless you are going to try and change it.

Remember that there are always and will always be good people here; people who love you and will take care of you and help you when you are in need. They don't even have to be somebody that you know. After the bombings, tons of strangers came together to help each other and get everyone the medical attention they needed. This is what I like to take away from tragedies: people do care, and are more than willing to help. I just wish it didn't take a tragedy or a killing for this instinct to come into play.

Imagine what it would be like if everyone acted like this all of the time: if everyone genuinely cared. We don't need an excuse to do kind things, but we do seem to need motivation. So here's some motivation: you can make a difference in anyone's life by doing even the smallest of things. You are a great person, and you are capable of great things. Let's make changes that help the greater good. Let's be like the strangers at the Boston Bombing.

Enjoy the rest of your day. Keep smiling!