We also hear tales of great courage.  Our notion of heroism has been re-imaged away from sport and entertainment personas, to firefighters, rescue workers, and other ordinary citizens called to extraordinary acts of self-sacrifice and bravery.  The incredible acts of malice have made us aware of the potential for each person to perform extraordinary and life-changing acts in our daily living.  It is through the ordinary and everyday acts of responsibility, care and compassion that we can potentially transform lives and life.  

    This should not be a profound revelation, but it seems to be so.  Have we made "living life well" more complicated than it needs to be?  We know how hard it is to live simply in the complex society we have created.  We labor to attain the things we believe we need for happiness and meaning.  We labor to find room for it all.  We labor to rid ourselves of that which has become obsolete or out of style.  We labor to secure a predictable future.  Is it any wonder we hear the common refrain, "I'm tired," when you consider all the labor?  

    Despair and tragedy may serve hope by providing the soil upon which new life and transformation can take root.  We do not desire, seek, or promote despair and tragedy, but as humans we will surely encounter real pain.  The depth and scope of tragedy jars us and forces us to reflect on our priorities.  If we are committed to the values of Jesus, if love of neighbor and love of enemy underpin our faith, then our labor must make room for prayer.  Our hope lies in God who made heaven and earth.