An Increase

Here in Kirkland we've been following the tragedy of the disappearance of 21 year old Annie Schmidt. We feel close to her and her family because her brother Spencer was a beloved missionary in our area three or four years ago. You may have heard of Annie's father, Jon Schmidt of The Piano Guys.

Jon Schmidt's friend Steven Sharp Nelson, "the cello guy," shared what he thinks the Schmidt family hopes we will take away from this tragedy. 

An increase of faith and empathy. An increase in gratitude for every moment we have with the people we love. An increase in long hugs instead of stern rebukes. An increase of faith in Divine purposes we cannot yet see. An increase in determination to search out and find people who feel lost and lift them up until they feel lost no more.

To think that nothing came of this tragedy would be a travesty. As metal is placed in the smithy’s fire it turns bright and beautiful. The metal’s true qualities are revealed and its will then bends to the metalsmith’s will. As Jon and his family have been placed in the furnace of affliction they, too, have shone beautifully, their true character has shown through, and they have turned their will over to God, the Great Metalsmith. I know I can speak for many others when I say thank you. Thank you, Jon and the Schmidt family for your light, your integrity, and your humility. The Earth is a softer place because of your strength in struggle. We love you and all together give you a long hug from across all parts of the world.

May we each make the earth a "softer place" for those who are struggling. May we help each other have strength in their struggles. May we have strength in our own struggles.