Written: December 19, 2024 & July 3 2024

As we pull out of the cemetery, I look in the rearview mirror at my almost three-year-old talking to me.

“I don’t want Gemma to be in the hole in the ground.”

Tears fall from my eyes and my knuckles turn white as I grip the steering wheel. I hear myself say, “Me either baby. Where do you want her to be?”

“With me, at home.”

“Me too, baby. One day, Jesus will fix this.”

“It’s taking a long time.”

“It is.”

It is taking a long time, Lord. All of history groans with creation longing for the restoration of the sons of men. For the mothers to hold their babies again. For tears to be wiped away. For justice to come. For shalom to reign. Father, help us be patient. Help us to trust. Help us to groan and hope in one breath. Lord, let it be soon.