We Are Not Alone

     It’s been an interesting 24 hours.  Actually, it’s been a consuming 24 hours, my mind consumed with the struggles of a child.  Let me fill you in.
    This week my son has been complaining about being picked on and bullied by kids on the bus.  Yeah, I know, everyone has to grow up experiencing the bus and all the ill-advised comments and actions of kids who don’t know better, but it seems like my son has had his fair share of bullying in his life time.  He seems to be the “target kid.”
    But I’m not focusing on him, I’m focusing (and my mind has been focused) on me.  This has been in the forefront of my thoughts.  It’s weighed down my heart, and it’s stirred up lots of emotions, some of which I keep inside lest the inward desire to berate those who do my child harm go against who I am and what I believe.  Especially in light of a sermon series and Bible study I just finished which focused on three simple rules for living – “Do no harm, Do Good, and Stay in Love with God.”  It’s times like these when the darker side of our personalities wishes God hadn’t taught us what God has!
    I’m working through the appropriate channels at the school, and I know that the school will handle it professionally and appropriately.  We’re speaking with our son about how to respond, and he’s patient and on board, so that’s under control.  But as any parent knows, it’s hard to watch your kids treated unfairly, and for one who has a difficult time seeing anyone treated unfairly, it is particularly hard.

    I took this to God.  (After all, if that’s what I’ve been taught and that’s what I teach/preach, I kinda have an obligation to follow the advice.)  As I did, I prayed for my son –for his safety and patience.  I prayed for the kids who are perpetuating the pain, that they might recognize that what seems to be just play and fun can be devastating.  I prayed for their parents, because I know that if were MY child, I’d be upset.  I prayed for my wife and myself, that we would respond and act appropriately.  I prayed for peace... 
    You know, prayer is a funny thing.  It is mysterious, challenging, exciting, and boring all at the same time, and there are times when, in prayer, God speaks and we hear.
    As I was praying an image came to mind, and that was the image of God observing what we will remember during the coming Holy Week – Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem, then the false trial, then the beaten, and finally the crucifixion.  God had tears streaming down His face.

    The image changed, and God in Christ was revealed.  Christ saw the ways that humans destroy humans, how humans destroy God’s creation, how God’s heart goes out to us, and we don’t see or respond.  Images of wars emerged, faces of abused and forgotten children, even threats over political topics such as health care reform and gay marriage emerged, and as the wars and arguing raged on, tears rolled down Christ’s face.
    It was then that I realized that I’m not alone.  My son is not alone.  The bullies are not alone.  We are not alone.  Even more powerfully, the very one who watched HIS Son suffer and die, then made a way for new life to emerge, is the very one who watches as we suffer and struggle, then makes a way for new life to emerge for and in us.  What a blessing!  It is a blessing which brings comfort and peace.
    Am I concerned about my son?  Yes I am, and I’ll continue to work toward resolving what’s going on.  But at the same time, I know that One greater than any of us is ultimately in control.  I know that God is able to transform the current situation into something amazing and good, for my family, for the kids that upset us, and for all of God’s children.  For God loves us.  So much so that through suffering and even death, God brought and brings new life, hope, joy, love, and peace.