The title of this post are words from the front of a card Arla sent to a grieving family 38 years ago. The family had just lost a beautiful little girl to an extended illness. These words seem very meaningful this morning as I sit with a heavy heart for the Connecticut families who are waking this morning without the voice of a child in their home. The horror is overwhelming to us. I am not ashamed to tell you that I hugged my children more than usual last night and slept with Evan (my kindergartener) in my arms.
On the morning after Mom’s death, my aunt called the woman (a family member) who had received this card from Arla all those years ago. Before my aunt could tell her the news of Arla’s death, the woman said, “You’ll never guess what I am doing.” She was reading that card and a letter that Arla had written and included inside. My aunt’s comment was that weird things happen. No, things don’t just happen. God moves and works in people everyday. This letter was kept by this grieving mother, and God led her to read it that morning. That letter was then returned to Harold. I have kept it, thought about it, waited, and now I know I am supposed to share it. I believe this is the time for you to read Arla’s words of comfort…words placed on her heart by God.
The card Arla chose to send, had these words inside….
A fragile, little flower grew From just a tiny seed, The summer sun and gentle rain Kept it free from need... Those who looked upon its bloom Found the sky more blue, And then one day the little flower Disappeared from view... You see, God has a garden Where grows none but the fair, So He took it where there'll always be His precious, loving care. May God be very near you To comfort you today, And may His love sustain you All along your way.While the letter included in the card was meant for a family whose child had suffered with illness, I feel Mom’s words are ones that many need to hear today. May it bring comfort to all those wrestling with the loss of these beautiful children, teachers, and staff. May it bring peace to those who have a loved one who is ill or suffering. God does love us. Today we need to reach out and hold each other close. There is hope in our Lord. Here is Mom’s letter. I will let it speak for itself. “We’ve thought so very much about you and continue to lift you in our prayers. One must never question why God does certain things. There is always a reason, even though at the time it is hard to bear. Perhaps you have already started to see and feel some of these reasons. When our little Donald died [Arla and Harold lost their first child a day after birth], it seemed as though this little one, which we thought we would have to nurture, was here such a short time. But we have always believed that children are just a loan to us as parents. Some loans are just shorter than others. Your daughter was loved very much and did a great job in this our world, but God has a special job for her now, far greater than any of us can ever imagine. Your dear little one is fresh and new and whole; free from pain and problems, spared from all distress. By knowing this your sorrow will be soothed, the ache of all your hearts will become bearable, and one day will slowly start to heal. When we have Christ at the top of our lives, anything and everything that comes across our lives is so much easier. By having faith in Him, He helps each of us to be the tower of strength that each of us wants to be. We have so much empathy for you. Your daughter touched each of our lives and perhaps made our family think very seriously of what our mission on this earth is supposed to be. We know God will give each of you the strength and courage to pick up your lives and to continue on in His way.”
Consider it pure joy! 
Mary – You have been and continue to be such a great inspiration for all your family and friends. Love, Aunt Jean