Friday, September 11, 2009

We must not forget

"Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature and we responded with the best of America." President George W. Bush, 9-11-01

We all remember where we were the day the World Trade Centers fell. The day the Pentagon became a memorial. The day, over a field in Pennsylvania, ordinary people became heroes. In the days that followed, flags flew proudly and we stood together, united as no other nation on earth could unite. We loudly proclaimed, "We will not forget!".

Life has returned to normal for most of us since that fateful day...at least for those of us who did not lose someone dear to us. We've gone about our lives, business as usual and once again taken for granted that we are safe.

Have we forgotten? Do we feel the same patriotism and connection to our neighbors we did that day? Does our heart swell with pride and thankfulness when we see a soldier in uniform? Does our flag still wave proudly from every corner and building?

Sadly, I believe we have forgotten. The horror we felt as we watched the towers crumble has become a distant memory. The pride that swelled in our hearts as we heard the words, "Let's roll" has faded.

For the sake of the 2,974 lives lost that day, we must not forget. For the sake of the children who will not know a parent, we must not forget. For the sake of the spouses who now sleep alone, we must not forget. For the sake of the parents who have outlived their children, we must not forget. For the sake of those still fighting for our freedom, we must not forget.

For all of them - we must not forget.

originally posted on February 7, 2008

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Happy fabulous 40!

I've been musing quite a bit over the last few months about this whole "turning 40" thing. At first I was just down right bummed. 40? Seriously, how did that happen? As I've had time to think about it, I've come to the realization that 40 can be fabulous, depending on how I look at it. OK, I won't go so far as to agree with the Hollywood set who says, "40 is the new 20!" Yeah, whatever...they're just justifying the fact that they're getting older like the rest of us. Next they'll be saying from their walkers through their false teeth that 80 is the new 40!

Honestly though, if given the chance to trade wisdom for a few less wrinkles, I have to say I would keep the wrinkles. Being young(er) may have some advantages, but the lessons learned through living life over the years are worth their weight in gold. I'm a different wife, mom and friend than I was when I turned 30...and that's a good thing.

I've had 40 years of God's amazing faithfulness in my life. 40 years of seeing Him at work. 40 years to get to know Him more personally...and I could live another 40 lifetimes and still not know all I should know. I am thankful He continues to teach and shape me to look less like me and more like Him. And if looking more like Him means I have to put up with more wrinkles looking back at me from the mirror, then so be it.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

God's comfort


God does not comfort us so that we'll be comfortable; we are comforted by God so that we might be comforters. Marvin Williams