This is a solemn day in America–the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. I can still remember the disbelief and the stunned horror and grief as we watched coverage of what was happening through the following days.
Truly, we “do not know what a day may bring” (Proverbs 27:1). Yet God doesn’t want us to live in constant fear of what may happen. When we know Him, we have the promise of His presence with us and His grace for whatever we need.
As horrible as 9/11 was, I miss the aspect of the days immediately after when there was more unity in our country and a general turning to God. I remember Congress people singing “God Bless America” on the Capitol steps on 9/12. My Facebook memories show that I wrote on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, “I’m grateful people turn to God in their hour of need. I just wish they realized they need Him every hour.”
I also remember stories of courage, bravery, and compassion coming out in the months following 9/11.
Today I’m joining Susanne at Living to Tell the Story to share the blessings of the week.
1. Grandchildren. When Timothy started school this year, his parents put us on the list of people who could pick him up from school, mainly so we could get him if they were at an appointment or sick or something. But he asked last Friday if Granddad could pick him up and bring him to our house for a while. It touches my heart that he likes to hang out with us and doesn’t find us boring.
2. Labor Day. We don’t really celebrate it per se, but it’s a good excuse to have the family over for burgers and to play games. Mittu made a yummy peanut butter pie.
3. Getting more done than I thought. I was a little disappointed and frustrated that I didn’t make any headway on my to-do list one afternoon. But then I realized I did get several things done–just not the things I had planned on.
4. Finding something I thought I had lost.
5. A husband who does the grocery shopping. I know I’ve mentioned that before, but I am thankful again/still.
I hope you’ve had a good week.
Hi Barbara, that is a nice list. We help with school pickup and drop off too. I am glad you found what you had lost! Have a great weekend!
I remember very well this awful day ! There were many people from here who died too. You are so lucky with your grandson ! I see mine not very often and he is very lazy to call me, but I continue to write him so he leaves me a heart or a smily He is in now in puberty and has to find himself. With his size of 8.8 ft (2,4 m) I think it is not so easy. But when he is here he is a very friendly boy and loves to help the elderly !
Number 5 on your list is my favourite! I don’t like grocery shopping very much, but I usually do go with my husband especially since picking out my yogurt can be stressful for him. lol! And how sweet it is when your grandchildren request to spend time with their grandparents. Yes, September 11th was a very tough day, and I imagine still tough for those who lost loved ones that day.
What a nice list of blessings and the memory of 9/11. As a NYer this was a super tough time for us……I know someone who would have been killed (a church friend’s cousin) if he hadn’t decided due to a “gut feeling” (God!) to call in sick and not go be the chef at the Top of the World restaurant which as you probably know was the top of the WTC. I know of at least one local person who died as he commuted each day by train from Albany to NYC and worked in the WTC. I remember praying and crying and specifically praying for God to give Bush strength and wisdom. My oldest was 8 and in 3rd grade and my youngest was 2.5 Her Tumbling Tykes gymnastics class was cancelled that day. it was a time of unity and people turning to God. So unlike today. Leadership really does matter in times like that. I am thankful 1. that my real citizenship is in heaven and 2. that I can trust God with my future and not live in fear or prejudice.
I love that Timmy wanted to hang out with you! That’s very special.
YUMMY to the PB Pie!!
Wow, I too will never forget 9/11. I had just dropped all 3 girls off to their various nurseries at MOPS. Crazy to think that everyone up to almost 30 now has no memory of the day. That really is super sweet about Timothy wanting to spend time at your place! I hope my grandchild(ren?) will feel that way. I often feel like I’m the quieter, “boring” person in the family. Wishing you a wonderful weekend! It looks like lovely weather here.
I also remember where I was when the towers were hit. It was one thing after another – first one tower, then the second, then the Pentagon and then the crash in PA. I remember I called my married kids that evening just to hear their voices.
It was a good feeling to all feel united afterwards. I wish we could have kept that unity.
It was good to read of all your favorite things of the week.
I like your list of blessings. And even though I’m in the UK I think hearing about what happened 25 years ago is one of those moments I’ll never forget. One of my favourite stories of something beautiful in the aftermath is told in the musical “Come From Away”. Lots of planes were grounded at Gander in Newfoundland and the people of the town rallied round to provide for and support their unexpected visitors. It’s a really powerful musical – heartbreaking at times, but ultimately hopeful.
I especially liked number 3. I know that feeling of thinking I haven’t accomplished much, only to realize later that I actually did quite a few things … just not the things on my list! And how sweet that Timothy actually asked Granddad to pick him up. 😊
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Yes, we all remember where we were on 9/11. We will never forget!
Time with Timothy is a precious blessing. I love it when my grands come over.
The Professor does our grocery shopping, too. I am so grateful.
Have a good weekend.
What a blessing to have Timothy live close by so that you can go pick him up from school whenever he wants to visit. Yay for lost things found! This Canadian remembers exactly where I was and what I was doing when it all started happening on 9/11
It’s hard to believe that 9/11 was 25 years ago already, and yet it is as real to me today as it was that September day when our son called to say that our country was under attack. I watched the coverage at Shanksville on Friday, but watching the attack on the towers and the Pentagon is still too much for me to take in emotionally. We have been to the memorial in Shanksville because of how close it is to where we live. It’s well done and it is a very somber atmosphere…especially when you walk around the corner and see the faces of those courageous people aboard Flight 93 who gave their lives to save the lives of others.
I know how you feel about when Timothy wants to hang out with you. Our oldest granddaughter spent her money to fly from Boston to visit with us over the Labor Day weekend. We had the best time and we both felt so blessed that she would want to do that.
I enjoy grocery shopping, but there have been times when I haven’t been able to do it that my husband has volunteered to do it for me. I have appreciated his thoughtfulness greatly. 🙂
There’s something unique about this the 25th anniversary of 9/11. So may emotions.
That is super sweet that you have such good connection with Timothy.
Isn’t it a good feeling when you’re able to have a productive day? Even if not in the things you expected to be doing!