9/11 Remembered

How many of you did not wake up and immediately think of the tragedy 6 years ago? It's hard to believe it has been that long already. I bet you remember exactly where you were when you learned of the events. I was in an American Studies class, at Mary Washington, when it actually happened. I was a college freshman. I went back to the dorm and my roommate, Kristen, was staring at the TV. That week was the only week we actually turned the TV on the entire year. Kristen was from Long Island. She had family and friends that worked in the city. The news hit her harder than it did me.

I remember growing up how history teachers would assign us to ask our parents or grandparents where they were when various monumental events happened; the space walk, JFK's assassination.

I want to put out a call to change the way we think of September 11th. Too often I hear or read about the loss of life, the terrorists...and in no way do I wish to downplay that. But, wouldn't it be great to instead bring to the forefront the extraordinary acts of heroism and compassion following those events? These were ordinary people who made extraordinary choices. Selfless choices. They were not seeking reward or recognition; they were responding to crisis.

I am positive that God was still "in control" on that day. I can't comprehend why God allowed this to happen, but I know that it did not take him by surprise. In the face and even remembrance of tragedy, it is far too easy to become blind to God's plan.

Today I pray for our nation, still recovering from wounds; and pray for God to warm the hearts of those whose have grown cold with bitterness over the last six years. Thank God for making Americans a resilient and courageous people.

How about taking some time today to tell those you love just how much you love them? The events certainly reaffirm the notion that we never know what the future brings, or how much time we have left in this world.