...today...

Justice, they say, was brought about today. The court heard the witnesses, and a man heard his sentence: five years in prison. He's been convicted; he must pay for what he's done. This, they say, is justice. The man will serve his time, and eventually will be set free. But the consequences of his crime has not been cleared away. The victims have not been given their lives back. The innocent bystanders are still dealing with the emotional scars. A world was broken down because of this man and no prison time is going to make it all right again. But the judge heard the case, swung the gavel, and declared it to be just.
Its hard not to be angry and demand, along with justice, restitution to the wrong that has been done. But full restitution is impossible. Innocence cannot be regained. Trust cannot be restored overnight to its former glory, if at all. Even though justice has been wrought, there are things that will never be recovered. Deep wounds on the heart will take years, maybe even a lifetime, to heal. And even then there will be ugly scars.

Lives were disrupted and destroyed all because of sin. Sin that didn't think of others or the consequences. It only thought of the present and itself. A moment's decision, that choice...it changed the course of many different lives. It would be easier if he was the only one who paid for this. But he's not. His family, his friends, even his church pays for it. His choice affected others. There may be repentance and forgiveness. But there is also hurt and loss. Let them grieve this loss, this death of life as they know it. For that is the price they pay regardless if they had a choice in the matter or not.

Emotions are raw and tears flow readily. Its not easy to love, to see him as God sees him. Fingers itch to hold on to anger and let bitterness grow. The heart is heavy for those who are much closer to the whole thing than I am. And words to express all of this get lodged in my throat.

Today felt like a lifetime.