Ten years ago today, the most horrific event in my lifetime occurred. We all remember that day. How could any of us forget?
Like most of you, I remember where I was, who I was with and what I was doing at that time. Like most of you, I watched in disbelief as the planes crashed into the towers, and discover that another plane had hit the pentagon and yet another had crashed in a field. Like most of you, I watched as people leapt from 110 story buildings to certain death because the thought of burning to death was too much for them to handle. Like most of you, I prayed, I wept, I cursed, and I wanted revenge!
Ten years later, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those who lost their lives. My desire for revenge is still strong but a desire for peace has come along as well. I don't want my kids to inherit a world built on a desire for revenge. I want them to remember and understand the meaning of this day, but I want them to live in a world of peace.
I don't think I will watch much television today. I don't want to relive those moments. I don't think I can watch that footage over and over and over again. Instead, I think I will spend some time praying for those who lost their lives and for those who knew them. I'm also going to spend time praying for peace.
How will you spend your day? Will you spend it seeking revenge or peace?
Thurber said it best: “Let us not look back in anger, nor forward in fear, but around in awareness.” Our country is a very different place because of terrorism. Our "virginity" was stolen by Timothy McVeigh and Al-queda. The US now lives with that awareness that much of the rest of the world has experienced.
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