Remember….

“On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I stay close to you; your right hand upholds me.”– Psalm 63:6-8

Today is a day for remembering. As I went to the grocery store, I noticed an enormous American flag, flying half-mast, tugging at its wires and ropes against the wind. Tears welled up in my eyes, as I remembered September 11, all those years ago. It seems so long ago, but other times feels like yesterday. It was a perfect fall day, a crispness to the air, brilliant blue sky, a beautiful morning full of promise. And then tragedy struck.

As I was remembering the sights, sounds, feelings, and emotions of that day and the days afterwards, I was thinking how powerful memories can be in our lives. My son was a toddler, so doesn’t remember 9/11, my daughter wasn’t born. They cannot understand. But I have the power to remember….. and just a thought can take me back to that day.

As I was praying, I was reminded that God remembers too. God remembers the suffering, the pain, the enormous horror of that day. God remembers. And I believe God was present during that time. We just couldn’t see it then. God was present in the firefighters who braved the flames, wreckage, and danger, sacrificing their lives for trapped and dying people. God was present in all the health care workers and citizens from far and wide who helped. God was present in ordinary men and women who offered help, support, encouragement, clothing, medicine, water, and shelter. God was present in all who died, those trying to save their friends, neighbors, and co-workers, those in planes and buildings. God was present in so many countless ways….

As we are presented with a new round of suffering and tragedy this week, from a horrendous hurricane disaster, let us remember…. We are a nation that pulls together, a nation that reaches out in times of disaster, a nation of people who can be infused by a loving God to love others. I liked this Psalm, because it reminds me of God’s great love and mercy for us, and that we can remember that each and every day. And in that remembering, we can remember how God can and will, use us to reach out to others. Let’s make a difference this week!

Prayer–“Gracious God, you remember all things about me and my life. You remember your promises to me, and I take refuge in you. Use me to reach out to someone else this week who needs it. Work through me to bring healing to the world. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”