Posted on December 17, 2012
I spent the weekend with my family doing what we always do this time of year. We trekked off to into the wilds of Virginia on a warm day in search of the perfect Christmas tree. We found a beautiful Norwegian spruce and put it up in the living room, where it more or less takes over the room. We lit it up with lights. We hung a star on top. We sang songs. We had fun.
But I couldn’t stop thinking about those New Town angels. I kept thinking about their parents who are planning funerals instead of holiday activities. This tragedy has left me feeling blue.
I agree with the President. We can do better in this country. Not just by having some common sense on guns, but by also showing compassion to people with mental illness, by providing support for people who need help. And by being kinder. By turning off the violence in our popular culture.
I know, without question, that love is the answer. And I know that love lies within me. I don’t have to wait for that star atop my tree to shine. I can shine my own light. I can make a difference. When I hang on to that truth, it makes me feel better.
So for those of you who are suffering the New Town blues, like I am, I offer up this lovely song by Peter Mayer, and this very moving video Christmas card that one of Peter’s fans put together a number of years ago. The title of the song in “Stables.” Its message is love.
