I think every '9/11' will always make us all dip back into our memory banks. People will often say, "where were you when 9/11 took place?" I was outside of Altgeld Hall on a concrete bench with tons of music students watching the news on a small black and white TV with bunny ears. Even though I was almost a thousand miles away - I remember it felt so surreal. To think that people in a city I had visited but a few years before were dying a terrifying death was a lot to soak in for a 21 year old. That day in 2001 has impacted how I view our country, our safety, and how much I respect those who's profession it is to run towards danger when the rest of us are running away from it. Memories have the power to impact our outlook.
All of us have memories that 'stay with us.' Some may be good and some may be not-so-good. You might remember your first day of school or that fight on the playground. You might remember your first kiss or that first break up (and if you're like me you wrote first song about it). The home run you hit in the big game or the season you spent more time on the bench than you would've preferred. You might remember your wedding day or the day you heard the words, "I want a divorce." You may remember the day your first child was born or the day you had to bury a parent.
No matter which camp your memories falls in - they are just that... Memories. They are images from your past that God has and is using to mold and form you into the person He's artistically crafting you to be. Think about all the greatest experiences from your past. How have they shaped who you are today? Now think about some of the most difficult seasons in your life and how has your perspective on life been altered because of what you've gone through? Do you appreciate your family more? Can you love deeper? Can you see past any scars that memories have left on your body or heart and see the healing and growth that's come in spite of them?
I can't imagine what those who lost loved ones 13 years ago feel like. Anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and Tuesdays. I can imagine that every day the memory of that dreadful day in September probably brings up more painful memories than I'm sure they can bear. But if I could offer any encouragement it would be this: When the tears fall at the memories of loved ones lost, think of a memory that reminds you why you are sad in the first place. Something that brought you joy before the hurt. And when that memory comes to mind... Smile through the tears. And always remember - difficult memories often come because they followed a good one. Don't forget all the good ones...
