Cease Fire

I had bought Arvo two passes to a shooting range for his birthday long ago. Finally, yesterday, 2 days before the passes expired, we decided to trek out the hour drive with Asherel in tow. I have never shot a gun, nor had any real desire to do so. I do believe in 2nd amendment rights, and do believe a disarmed population is at the mercy of the first despot that comes along. But it was with trepidation that I accompanied the birthday boy. Asherel came along because, "I'm sick of trig." She needed a break from school.

The first thing they did at the shooting range was show us a little video. It teaches about responsible gun use and procedure. I began to turn green and feel a little sick as it talked about all the safety rules and precautions. There were many examples of unsafe moments, at which point the range leader would shout, "Cease fire!" At that moment, anyone on the shooting range was to lay the gun down on the table in front of them, and step back. I myself would have the power to yell, "Cease fire!" if I saw anything worrisome, or potentially dangerous. Every person on the range had the responsibility to be alert, and if needed to protect others, yell, "Cease fire!"
Personally, I would not want to step onto a shooting range with a rank beginner like me nearby....

"I'm terrified," I told the range captain as we were issued our gun and target sheet.
"Do you want a ten minute lesson?" he asked.
"Yes please!"
He handed us our earpieces and safety glasses, and the three of us, one trembling, headed onto the target range. I stepped right up to the instructor though, so I could go first. When I am afraid, I have found waiting to go last only builds fear. It is best to just get it over with.

The instructor was kind and patient. He showed me everything and said not to worry if I didn't hit the target, but just to get a sense of aiming and correct stance, etc. My first shot hit just below the bullseye center circle. And then I was hooked. It was challenging to try to keep the shots exactly where I wanted them.

Asherel got 4 bullseyes in a row. As she stepped back to let Arvo have a turn, she told me, "I want one."
"Fine," I said, "I'll get you a marshmallow gun."
I don't think any of our shots were wild. Nearly all were right in the target area. It was a whole lot more fun than I had expected, though I could have done without all the noise.

That evening, I had many mixed feelings. I do not like guns, but I know history and I know there are inconceivably evil people. I know that corruption and the lust for power can drive people to enslave, murder, and torture. If someone were threatening my family, my children, I would do anything to protect them.

And yet, Jesus never tells us to go forth and do violence. In fact, he says that our life should be typified by gentleness that is evident to all. In our gentleness, God is glorified, and His peace descends. Even without a gun, I fall far short of being the picture of gentleness. I lay awake a long time trying to picture what Jesus would have me do if I had the power to hurt those who hurt me. All I could picture Him saying was, "Cease fire."

Philippians 4:4-9 (NIV)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable---if anything is excellent or praiseworthy---think about such things. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me---put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.





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