sometimes things aren't fair.

There’s a news story that sticks in my head like old gum under a desk. It happened about two years ago not far from where my parents live. An inner-city family of four had gone to the movies to celebrate the father getting a job, his first in months. Things were finally looking up for them – now they wouldn’t have to struggle just to afford food and shoes for the children, ages six and three. The parents could finally feel proud to provide, and the kids could rest easily knowing Mommy and Daddy were happy. And going to the movie theater as a family, buying tickets and popcorn, was a big deal for them; yet another something that many people take for granted too often.

They all took their seats, the lights dimmed and the movie played. And somewhere towards the middle of the film, the three-year-old boy choked to death on a popcorn kernel. So much for a family celebration.

It’s stories like this one that make finding a silver lining impossible. Some may say it is God’s will, some question the will of any God who could allow it. It’s stories like these that leave no other explanation for me than perhaps God isn’t vengeful, but lonely. Maybe he wanted some company.