A Day of Remembrance

Today is a day of remembrance in America.
A reminder that sometimes loved ones do not return home.
People can go to work in big, tall buildings and not come home at the end of the day. 
Rescue workers can wake up to a day filled with smoke, fire, and unimaginable mayhem—courageously leading others to safety, and yet not able to rescue themselves.

The truth is, this is our collective reality. There are no guarantees that when we step out the door, we will return.
2020 is surely a reminder of this condition.
This human fragility.

Rather grim and maudlin these thoughts, my apologies for adding any additional sadness to this sad day.
Please don’t stop here.
These thoughts are only grim if we remain in them.
In actuality, they can serve as a catalyst to something bigger, beyond ourselves.

A reminder.

To embrace today.
To live in the blessed moment of right now. To hug our loved ones with extra fervor.
To hold close our little loves before they go off to school, off to play…off to sleep.
To let go of petty annoyances and instead say, “I forgive you.”
“I love you.” To hold on tightly to our faith as we live in this world of unknowns.

This is no easy task, for the human heart is prone to fear. On this day of remembrance, let us remember the most important truths.
Truths that serve as a bedrock for our tremulous lives.
When we fix our hearts and minds on the Rock of Ages, He becomes our sure and steady foundation. When we lean into the One who holds us in His everlasting arms, we find peace and hope to carry us through the myriad hard moments.
To not fear the future. In the quiet of our hearts we whisper, “I trust you Lord.” And He replies, “I've got you child.”