Realizing What's Truly Important

Yesterday, the anniversary of September 11, 2001, was truly a day of remembrance.  Along with so many others, I paused to view the images and feel the sorrow brought on by the violent and senseless attacks on our nation.  It was good to do that.  I realized, in the process, that ten years ago I was in such shock that I never cried.  I was numb.  Yesterday, I cried.  Releasing those tears was an important part of my healing.  Praying for those who lost so much was also important.
     I am blessed to have a deep faith in a God of love and mercy--a God who watches over and cares for His children, but does not take away their agency to do what they will, even when that means they will take the lives of the innocent.  I also believe that God is a perfect judge who will measure the deeds of 9/11--both the acts of cowardly injustice and the acts of unselfish heroism--and His judgments will be perfect. 
     As I sat through some videos recounting 9/11, I was touched that so many people focused on their love of family, and the way this tragedy almost instantly changed their perspective of what is important. Many had placed their energies on making money and obtaining material possessions. Suddenly they realized that, while they had been pouring their lives into their work, their spouses and children would benefit more from having their time.  Priorities shifted, jobs changed, energy was rechanneled.  The result was greater gratitude for important relationships, greater emphasis on expressing love, and greater happiness within the family. 
     Nothing can take away the horror of 9/11, but if it has helped us to cherish more earnestly the freedoms and blessings we have, then it has brought with it an important message that is positive and, hopefully, lasting.  Mortal beings tend to easily forget.  We tend to shut out the unpleasant from our minds.  May we never forget 9/11 and the lessons it has taught us about what really matters and how quickly we can lose those we love.  May we also remember the goodness, the sacrifice, and the courage of those who risked their lives, and gave their lives, that others might live.  Their bravery is an example for all of us to study and strive to emulate.
     As we reflect on that day, I hope it will be with gratitude, not fear.  Perhaps it would help to remember the words of Mahatma Ghandi who said, "When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always."

   There is so much good in life, so many beautiful places for our thoughts to dwell:  all the peaceful days we have known since 9/11;  all the loving relationships we enjoy;  the beauty of the vast and varied landscape of our nation; the freedoms and joys that fill our hours.  May we cherish these blessings in faith and gratitude to God who has granted them to us, for these are, indeed, treasures to be appreciated, safeguarded and enjoyed.

TODAY'S GENTLE ENCOURAGEMENT:   Hug the ones you love and consider how to spend just a little more time with them.