David

I have been asking the “why” questions again.  I received an e-mail from my friend today.  David Witherspoon, a 16 year old young man who attended our church, was shot and killed on Friday night.  He was a great kid and was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.  His life had barely begun…I wonder who he would have become?  What things would he have accomplished?  Whose lives would he have touched?  All the hopes of who he was to become were taken away in an instant.

I have many memories of David.  When he was five years old, we went to watch some of the older guys play basketball.  We walked to the corner store and he bought M & M’s.  He sat on my lap to watch the game and fell asleep.  It always touches me when a child falls asleep in your arms…it speaks of their simple trust in you.

He used to go swimming with us and we would play basketball together.  Over the years, he grew older and I moved to Nepal.  In many ways I lost touch with him.  But I will remember his gentle strength.  He was quiet, yet carried himself with confidence.  His life was a gift to all who knew him.

My heart is heavy today for his friends and family.  My heart aches for them as they grieve.  I am thinking of his twin sister Danielle.  I am thinking of the guys and girls who grew up alongside of David and feel his absence every minute.

I don’t even pretend to know why this kind of thing happens in the world.  I don’t understand the gravity of suffering that many people experience.  But I know that Jesus is present with us.  I know that He grieves with us and holds us in his arms.  I pray that today Jesus’ presence would be felt by those grieving today.

My prayer is simple:  Come, Lord Jesus.  Come.