We prefer when our lives are calm, peaceful and predictable. When unexpected things happen, they are usually upsetting, sad or unpleasant. Last week the news from around the world was not good. Bad things are happening in Gaza, as well is in the Ukraine and around Taiwan. We hear of the violence and are appalled! But we are also, in a small corner of our soul, very glad that the violence does not directly affect us. Our lives are peaceful and safe.
But last Wednesday our lives were disrupted when we heard of an active shooter in Clinton. I was working at the church all morning, and didn’t hear about it until I went home for lunch. One of my sons reached out to ask where I was. I told him that I was home, and he said to stay there, and why I should do so. I remembered that on my walk home I had seen a police car cruising down my street which slowed down to take a good long look at me. I had wondered why at the time, now I knew! Fortunately, my hair is (mostly) white so they kept on driving. (the person they were looking for had dyed hair) Then I remembered hearing all the sirens and the helicopters going over.
I wasn’t afraid, but I did choose to lock my doors and to stay home. The police didn’t need any help, and the fewer people out and about the easier it would be for them. The schools were in “hold and secure” as was the hospital and the post office. It was a minor disruption for my life. I could work on my computer at home.
I was reminded of several years ago in 2014 in Ottawa when they had an active shooter around the Parliament Buildings. Most of us were shocked at someone shooting one of the sentries around the Cenotaph. My youngest son was at the University of Ottawa, just around the corner. They were secured, all doors locked, all classes cancelled. He was visiting in residence with his girlfriend and had to stay with her. Fortunately, they had been grocery shopping recently. The cafeterias and food courts were closed down and he is a diabetic. He was mostly bored. I was more concerned for him than he was for himself. But it was a reminder that unexpected, disruptive and bad things can happen to us at any time.
That was our reminder last week. We almost take it for granted that such things happen in the big cities. According to the news there is hardly a day goes by when there isn’t an assault, or a robbery. Shots are fired and car chases happen. But not usually here. Not in our quiet, safe town. But they can happen here. Our safety is an illusion which can be shattered at any time.
We are called to put our faith and trust, not in police or municipal officials, but in our God.
God is our refuge and our strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear
though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea..
Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46: 1 – 2, 10)
