“The thief comes only to steal kill and destroy; I came that they may have
life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
It was October 1, 2006 a colorful October Sunday morning. My husband Rob,
our three boys, and I were out for a little adventure. We were traveling
some gorgeous back-country roads, about 35 miles from home, to attend a
church service, to which we had never been, and where we knew no one. We
were venturing out for the day to find something fun and different.
As we traveled down the country roads one particular scene jumped out at
me. It was as if God turned my head and exclaimed, “Look at this.” It was
truly the most attractive and serene setting I ever saw. Tucked among the
rolling hills and farmland was a tiny white schoolhouse. Complete with a
bell and outhouses. Its beauty and simplicity left a strong impression on
me. Several small schoolhouses were sprinkled up and down the road, both
before and after this one, but this one captivated me.
My thoughts turned to the families represented by the Amish school, and how
thoughtful it was for the parents to provide such beauty for their children
to encourage their growth in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. This,
however, was the last day anyone would find serenity there. The following
morning, Monday, October 2, Roberts the angry gunman, who wanted to get
back at God for taking his premature infant daughter, changed this peaceful
valley forever. The seemingly imperturbable hamlet which, yesterday,
captured my attention for it’s nurturing beauty, today years later
continues to capture the whole world’s attention for it’s taunting horror.
Charles Roberts did not know that God is The Giver, and his enemy is the taker. When we are tempted to blame God for taking things, or people, from us let’s remember God is the great Giver not the taker.
“The thief comes only to steal kill and destroy;” And God reminds us that He came so we “may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
