Thoughts on Orlando and what I'm (trying) to do about it

As I got into the office this morning, thinking about how wonderful and friend-filled of a weekend I had, a quick scan of my social media accounts immediately rendered me heartbroken: Another shooting. This one’s being called the deadliest mass shooting in American history. In one night, what was supposed to be an enjoyable and carefree gathering for many turned into unimaginable terror and an unspeakable nightmare. 50 lives were lost.

50 loved ones didn’t make it home. 50 loved ones didn’t get to tell their family and friends they loved them. 50 family’s lives are now shattered. It’s 50 too many and something has to change.

Do I know what that change looks like? No. I don’t, to be honest. But I wish I did. God help me, I wish I did.

Here’s what I’m going to try to do, though:

1. Be thankful. I watched a pastor this weekend who, through tears, spoke beautifully of the thankfulness he has for his wife, his family, his home, his church, and his dogs (Yes, his dogs). Life is much too short to play the comparison trap. Life is much too short to complain, nag, or otherwise wish that you had it better. Because you have it good.

2. Choose joy. I’m feeling kind of sad today, not going to lie. We’re all trying to grapple with this terrible tragedy that occurred over the weekend. But I can choose joy; joy for what I have, for who is in my life, and for who I am in Christ.

3. Pray. Because above all else, that’s really all I know to do. Because when life doesn’t make sense, to me, He makes sense. And as a follower of Christ, I have to believe that one day we will see the promise that “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more pain…” So until that day comes, I pray.

4. Do what I can to tell my loved ones I love them. This morning I called J just to tell him I loved him. I commented on a friend’s FB post that it’s been wonderful to spend time with them. I’ll be calling my parents this week and I always tell them I love them. I called my sister just now and the last thing I told her was “Love you boo.” If you’re perhaps not on the best of terms with your family, think about if there’s maybe something you can do about it. Or look to the family you’ve cultivated, whether it’s blood or not. Tell your loved ones you love them and tell them often. To their faces. As often as you are able.  

I’ll admit, I’m not going to win a Nobel Peace prize or change the world by doing these things. And I still have work to do, always. But hopefully it’ll make my corner of the world a little brighter.