High school drama…reckless drivers cutting you off on the way to work…rumors of NFL retirees returning to the game…all become just minor annoyances and inconsequential news today as we remember the attacks on U.S. soil 18 years ago.
Countless memorial ceremonies held across the country today honor those who never walked out of the buildings or planes. Nearly 3,000 people died that day. September 11, 2001 will be, or should be, forever remembered in the minds of all Americans.
And yet, DO we still remember? Rather than just being a day like any other day, September 11th should always be honored and time should be set aside to remember those who perished in the fallen buildings and plane crashes. But do our workplaces and schools honor them with a moment of silence?
We need to teach our children our history ourselves and not just rely on the educational system to provide that information to them. We lived through it and we each have our stories to tell. Whether we were in the vicinity of the plane crashes or knew someone who was, we all can share our experiences with the next generation.
This morning at our breakfast table, we talked about 9/11 and the many who were lost that day. Many people left home to go to work or school as they usually would, never knowing that would be their last day to see each other. I wonder if they did, would they change their attitude toward their families? Would they treat them differently? Would they love them more?
We don’t often get second chances in life or opportunities for a do-over. I wonder if this tragedy is a second chance for all of us who were left behind? This event just shows the reality of the world we live in; a world of terrorism and evil. It is a reminder that we are not in control but that at any moment, anything could happen. There is a saying that we should “hope for the best but plan for the worst”. I believe if we treat each day as if it were our last, we would be nicer to each other. We would be more patient and understanding with each other. We would learn to accept each other’s differences. Families would stay together and appreciate each other more. They would love more.
I remember where I was in southern California that day in 2001 when I heard the shocking news. I’d dropped my oldest son off to elementary school and heard a buzz in the school office but did not think anything of it as I signed him into morning daycare and hugged him goodbye. As I drove out of the parking lot, I turned on the car radio and began to learn of the attacks on the east coast. All the program hosts were shocked and understandably upset at the events that occurred earlier that morning.
When I arrived at the office, everyone was talking about the Towers, the Pentagon, Pennsylvania. Someone had even turned on the TV in the break-room to learn more. The images were very disturbing, horrific. I felt like I was watching a movie—this was all just CGI, right?? This is not Really happening??
I cried for the people on the planes that crashed into the Twin Towers as well as the Pentagon. I cried for those who couldn’t get out of the buildings. I cried for those who jumped out of the buildings trying to get to safety. I cried for the heroes of Flight 93 who made sure that plane did not crash into another building. I cried for the many first-responders who had gone into the buildings to help people get out only to perish along with them. I cried for all the families left behind who thought this was going to be just another day like every other.
Every year, this day still saddens me. But I also have hope, hope from the miracles that came out of this horrific event. The miracle of the father who did not go to work because his child was starting the first day of school and he wanted to be there. Other blessings are told of employees not immediately going inside World Trade Center but stopping off somewhere to grab a pastry or makeup. Others, like a dear friend of mine, were on a train that was stopped by a crow that flew into the electrical box, which immediately halted the train so it could not proceed any further into the city.
Many are still here today raising families and working in professions helping others. My dear friend tells her story every year as an encouragement to others that God led her through this difficult time. The Bible tells us in James 4:14 “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” We can plan out each of our days making To-Do Lists and filling up our Day Planners but ultimately, God is in control.
We need to be intentional with each day we wake up to. Plan, yes. But also, always realize that the lives we live can be taken away at any time. Change is inevitable and we need to be prepared for it.
I have learned to not become too complacent with where I am in life but to be ready to adapt to whatever comes my way. Knowing that the Lord will continue to be with me through it all encourages me to continue on and stand strong.
Do you hold too tightly to your own plans and become frustrated or even angry when they don’t pan out? Or do you trust that God will provide and see you through every unexpected situation? My hope is that you learn to lean on the Lord’s strength rather than your own and that you see His plans are always the best.
Joy in the King!
Laurie
Photo credit: Pxhere
