All I Have Today

In eighth grade I went a away to a small boarding school in Massachusetts. There were elements to the way life was lived there and features of the school that, particularly in the mid-80's, seemed anachronistic in the modern world. The school possessed a large antique printing press and I took a class to learn how to use it. Although we students were required to attend chapel five times a week, it seemed more in the interest of providing a religious education than with the goal of inspiring a deep spirituality. Nevertheless, one of my first projects was a letterpress printing of the 23rd psalm which had been recited to me often by my grandmother. Though my faith and I have traveled a wavering road in the 25 years since I left there, that psalm was the first thing to come to my mind when Friday's news began to unfold, and it has played over repeatedly for the last 48 hours.

Feeling helpless, frightened for my own children and the world they are growing up in, thinking of the children of Sandy Hook Elementary, the teachers and staff who sacrificed their lives trying to protect them, the parents and families whose grief and suffering I cannot even imagine - this is all I have.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name' sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: For thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.