It’s impossible for me to post a blog on September 11th and not think of two things…the terrifying events of 9/11 and my nephew’s birthday. One is absolutely horrendous and the other is such a wonderful blessing that I feel completely stuck in the middle of sorrow and joy…Sigh.
I’m even more emotionally confused this year because today is said nephew’s SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY!! I’m thrilled about the exciting prospect of Joe getting a driver’s license and petrified that he’s now going to be actually DRIVING A CAR! Oh dear…that’s some scary stuff.
The moral of this story is that even with all of the evil going on in the world today; there are still MANY things that are delightful and heartwarming!!
We should not dismiss this crucial fact. Indeed, keeping hope in our hearts and nurturing love in our world are two of the many gifts that God has so graciously given each of us if we choose to accept them.
Are you willing to grasp these boons or would you rather live in despair because life can really stink sometimes?
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
I am in NO WAY saying that we should ignore the memories and emotions of tragedy in our lives. Because, yes, we absolutely have to remember the events of that terrible day 13 years ago – or any other tragic event in our life – because it reminds us to be cognizant of how fortunate we really are in so many other aspects.
The Number One blessing being that we have a loving God who will never leave us or forsake us and wants to shower us with His Love!! He wants to give us grace, peace, joy, hope, love, mercy and much, much more! (Thank you, Jesus!)
As with most heartbreak in our lives, September 11th begs us to appreciate life and enjoy the day we are currently in; for we know not when our life on earth is finished.
Additionally, we should continue to pray for the victims who survived that terrible day and the families of the fallen. They should never be forgotten, nor set aside.
Sufferers of disaster, war and death live with memories we cannot fathom. The rest of us should be sensitive to their pain and extend a helping hand.
Yet, tragedy should not define us, make us fearful or turn our hearts to stone.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. Jeremiah 17:7
I have no idea why bad things happen, but I do know that God is in control and He loves us. Our trust in Him is vital to our own happiness in the midst of a messed up world.
The world is not changing, but our attitudes and trust in God sure can…and for the better!
Security is what we long for. We want to know that we will be taken care of in the good and bad times that come our way. However, this security can only come from our willingness to trust in God because there is nothing else in life that we can depend on that is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow! (See Hebrews 13:8)
So, how can we put all of God’s wisdom into practice when dealing with all of the many facets in life?
Don’t bury the bad things – give them to God.
Help those who are suffering.
Live like today is all we have – it is!
Be grateful.
Be thankful.
PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING!
Sounds simple, but unfortunately, we have short memories.
To make it easier on us, we should make our first and last words every day of our lives be, “Thank you, God. “
With God in the beginning and end of each day…everything else will fall into place from His Hand.
Make today a good day! And I wish a very Happy Birthday to my sweet sixteen-year-old, Joe!!!
Some Wisdom for Today: Proverbs 19:23 – The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
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