What a beautiful place.
Enchanting comes to mind – reminiscent of Enid Blighton’s Enchanted Woods, the whispering trees, scurrying squirrels and hollow logs bring forth reminders of childhood adventures.
It’s a tranquil place and peaceful.
But the calm silence of the forest belies the brutality of a recent murder. The erect strength of the trees, like soldier standing to attention, are silent witnesses.
As we wandered along well-trodden pathways, the violence of the crime was hard to ignore. She was killed here. In this special place. Innocence met brutality.
There were several other walkers. Dogs bounded from tree to tree; owners whistled and called to heel; an old man shuffled, eyes focused on the uneven ground before him, steadying his footfall with a worn walking stick. A sombreness prevails.
Our presence – each walker – a silent protest.
It’s hard not to be discouraged. Are we to live under a canopy of fear?
I am reminded that the trees were not the only witness on that dreadful day. There was another – a more powerful – a more influential – One who will see justice done.
Hebrews 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
We know that God will judge, but we still remain here, trying to figure out how to live with the pain that comes with crime and violence. The meaningless of it all. Why? What does it achieve to kill a young and innocent girl? What does it achieve to blow up an airport or train station? What is the point? It’s so easy to get angry and bitter.
But life cannot be happy when anger and bitterness tears apart ones heart and mind.
My friend Leone put this on her Facebook page and it struck a chord. It’s just so easy to be bitter and angry. The challenge is to put away all bitterness and choose a better route:
Bitterness is toxic – it poisons those who embrace it and allow it to course through their veins robbing them of any semblance of happiness.
We hold in our power the ability to choose. While I am saddened by the state of our country, the violence that so easily unfolds in our world, I refuse to be bitter and angry. I choose to look at the potential and not the problems.
I will trust God in all circumstances, knowing that in the end, He has the final say and it will be good.
My heart is in His hands.
For that reason, I can keep the smile going.
God bless you.
In His Grip, 
Helga xx 🙂