Some Times a Light Surprises

There is a hymn in one of the older hymn books that begins "Sometimes a light surprises The Christian while he sings. It is the Lord, who rises, with healing in His Wings." I certainly was surprised to hear the President of the United States break into a solo of Amazing Grace on Friday.  But it was a moment of light with healing in its words.

There is a lot of surprises in Charleston and around the country in response to the deadly shooting in a church. Nine people at Bible study were killed.  The Charleston community surprised many by the reaction they had to that event. The families surprised us all by the healing forgiveness they offered to the shooter.  The community turn out for the eulogy for the Pastor led by President Obama. The light surprised us and there was much healing in the grace proclaimed.

The surprise of forgiveness and grace, and hope and mercy gives us all another chance to get it right and make a difference. To listen to the pain and anger that certain deeds, flags, symbols and statues caused our neighbors.

The two major court decisions which affirmed that the Health Care law would continue to provide health insurance for so many, and the affirmation of the right of same sex couples to have legal weddings also surprised some and brought a light of hope and possibility to all.  Things can be changed, there is hope that efforts, conversations and political action can bring about changes. Sometimes we get discouraged by the long battle, but then a light surprises and a new day comes and there is hope for all of us.

Sometimes a light surprises. It does not happen all the time. We cannot make it happen, but we can work towards it and be ready to celebrate it when it comes.