I’m writing this at the end of a very emotionally draining day, yet one that was filled with several reminders of our Lord’s continued presence and work among us. “O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good. His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 136:1)

If I did not walk with our Lord, I would not be saying “thank you” considering the horrific display of evil last night in my city. What was a wonderful celebration quickly became a nauseating nightmare. While I was not present at the parade, many I know were. In some cases, they were pushed away from the speeding SUV that plowed through the parade. In other cases, they saw friends struck and witnessed scenes that have left them traumatized. I know of an ER nurse who was called in and worked tirelessly with others at our hospital to bring needed care. And I have talked to many who are just plain angry.

Our congregation did not have a special vigil tonight. I felt it was good for the community to be together and not separated into our different groups. Our principal, along with my son, accompanied me to the vigil held downtown. I knew what to expect. The mayor gave a nice message, as did the police and fire chiefs and a representative from the School District. Various representatives of a variety of faith traditions offered prayers, none of which mentioned Jesus and the wonder of a God who endured pain and suffering Himself that we could indeed have the true peace and strength in the midst of a broken world that everyone wants.

But Jesus was there. It was our privilege to have Lutheran Church Charities come up and be present with their comfort dogs, as well as their Hearts of Mercy and Compassion ministry. Listening to them share their stories at the debriefing at Beautiful Savior after the vigil confirmed the wonderful ways that our Lord answered prayers to be present. What a wondrous God who has through His creation of dogs and the gifts He gives their handlers create opportunities to share His compassion.

I am most thankful for that, for my dedicated group of teachers and staff that came in to talk about and pray for our families and community as we prepare for school to resume next week, for the counselors present with us today, and for those who honored me by asking me to process things with them. Indeed, as was read at the vigil, “God is our refuge and strength an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1)

But what I am most thankful for at the end of this day was perhaps illustrated best for me at the vigil as my candle kept being blown out by the wind and needed to be relit. It’s kind of like life in that sometimes it becomes overwhelming and seems as if evil is going to become the norm in the entire world. But in the midst of the terrible evil of Sunday evening, there was more loving one’s neighbor as oneself. The love of many has not grown so cold so that no one cared. The politics, disagreements about COVID, anger over a court decision, etc., didn’t matter. One’s neighbor did.

Perhaps the old song “This Little Gospel Light of Mine” puts it best: “Don’t let satan blow it out. I’m going to let it shine.” The winds of a broken world may try their hardest, but the Holy Spirit is stronger and keeps the flame burning, often through others He puts in our lives, as He helps us know the embracing love of Jesus who not only knows all there is about pain and suffering, but knows how to win!

– Pastor Schmidt