September 11, Remember.

Making the most of every opportunity.

Ephesians 5:16

I stood there that day, motionless, trying to make sense of what had just been reported.  I quickly turned to the other people in my office and we began to pray.  

Hours later, through a massive phone call campaign with volunteers, most every active member of our North Carolina Congregation had been assembled.  And we began to pray through most of the evening.  

A devastating day for our nation.  An infamous day for the entire world.  A senseless disaster. Lives lost.  Families changed forever.  

That day, heroes were born out of tragedy.  That day proved the bravery and selflessness of the police, fire fighters, and other emergency responders.  

On this 20th anniversary of 9/11, the memories may have softened for some. And, for an entire generation born after 9/11, the horrific images of this event or only remembered from the pages of history.  But for those who can personally recall the initial impact of this day, memories remain vivid as the loss of precious and innocent lives still affects us.  And, honor deserving of those who sacrificed their lives in rescue efforts remains emotionally embedded in our hearts.  

So, today, take time to remember.  Remember those lost in the 9/11 attack.  Remember their families.

Remember the heroism. 

Remember the immediate desperation of pray and dependence upon one another.  Remember how houses of worship filled as hurting, confused, and fearful hearts sought for God.  

Remember the unified grasp across our nation and world of the mutual value of human life.  Remember the dependence upon, and respect for one another as we all felt the same impact.  

And as you remember, pause.  Look around you at this moment. Thank God for your life and health. Thank God for your family. 

Thank God for the freedoms we have. Thank God for those who still serve as heroes.  Thank God that you can worship in freedom regardless of your venue of worship.  Look around you, pause, and thank God. Because sometimes it seems we have forgotten the blessings amid the surmounting complaints divisions, protests, political attacks, etc.   

And, sometimes it takes a day of memorial to be reminded of life’s fragileness.  So, make the most of your present moment, your present relationships, your present job, your present education, your present circumstance.  Make the most of every single opportunity you have received, for that opportunity is indeed a gift.  

And, the only sure way to make the most of every opportunity is to turn to Jesus Christ, afresh and anew in faith.  Hold to the belief that He is the risen Son of God and has purchased life everlasting.  Stand firm in the truth of God’s unending love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace.  

Today, remember.  Today, be thankful.  And, today, ask God to show you how to make the most of this present moment.  

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:15-16).