Psalm 30:2 O
LORD, my God, I cried to You for help, and You have healed me.
I always find 9/11 difficult. I grieve
the world that we once knew, and tragically lost on that day of infamy. All of
our lives have changed and nothing is as it was before. 9/11 altered everything
and no matter how many times people or politicians say that we need to carry on
just as we once did, we cannot ever go back to a pre-9/11 existence.
I usually start this day quietly and
think about the past. At some point I go to visit the graveyard next to my
daughters’ High School. Some wonderful church friends are buried there,
including one who died on 9/11.
It was nice and quiet this morning as I
walked on the dew covered grass next to the gravestones. I thanked God for the
people I had known whose names are carved on the headstones. It was both a very
realistic and surrealistic moment in time, where reality and eternity meshed
together. I came away smiling because of the fond memories that I inwardly
recollected. And I reminded myself, yet again, to bring some flowers next year.
They say that time heals, but really
what they mean is that eventually some experiences from the past grow distant
like waves retreating from the shore. Despite this, I know that I shall see
those dear friends again in His Garden. My soul is at peace with that wonderful
thought.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, on this fateful day,
draw to near to us who remember the world as it once was. Walk with us as we go
down hallowed and fearful paths. Heal our memories and grant peace to our weary
souls. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and quietly pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin
Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment
or ask a question about today’s message, please send John an email to traqair@aol.com.
Today’s
image is John’s 9-11 drawing for this year. It’s called “Always Remember.” If
you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/9725769218_18af60e748_b.jpg
