THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – AN INTERLUDE.

In the aftermath of the horror in Uvalde, Texas, I cannot get those innocent, slain children out of my mind. I can’t help but wonder, did they have a pet? A wiggly puppy, a fuzzy cat, a talkative parrot, or a brown-eye pony? Did one of them play with the puppy on Tuesday morning, hug him, get doggy kisses, and squeal with laughter? Did the cat purr? Did the parrot chatter? Did the pony neigh with delight? Had the children saved their allowances to purchase a rhinestone pet collar or a special brush to rub down the pony? Did they string together little bells for the parrot to play with?

There’s something sweetly innocent about watching children play with their pets. And as you know, pets love unconditionally. When Tuesday afternoon arrived, and it was time for those dear children to come home from school, did the puppy wag its tail at the door in anticipation? Did the cat, the parrot, or the pony sense the arrival of their young owners too? Alas, it was not to be!

Due to the demonic evil of someone who was himself not much older than the children he had massacred, those arrivals would never happen. And now, gone forever, are the squeals of laughter while playing with a puppy. No more milk will be poured into a cat bowl. No more hay will be given. No more tinkling bells. Thankfully, though, these slaughtered innocents are now resting in the arms of Jesus.

However, their parents and the families of the slain teachers are left to ask why they were murdered…as do I. I’m praying for that little town and its grieving citizens. Praying for our dear country, too. And I’m praying to be light in a dark world. To exude peace, not confusion. But most of all, to love and never hate.

Ponder this and go forth. (Originally published May 27, 2022)