A Reflection on 9/11…Ten Years Later

Since the mayor of New York City has chosen to make the formal memorial service totally atheist, keeping clergy and prayer from the service, here is my “alternative” Jesus-glorifying devotional for you at this time.

It is vital how we allow our attitudes to form in the light of the many temporary, even small things that we are seeing and experiencing. (II Cor. 4:17, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us . . .”)

We are commanded and urged to see the Lord first, before any of these things (Psalm 16:8, “I have set the Lord continually before me . . . “)

A contemporary example #1: the events of 9/11/2001

This was a huge thing, a life and country changing event. We all remember where we were when we got the news. Yet, there were also many small things going on, in many lives—

Around 3,000 lives perished that day, and yet many others did not. Why?

The head of a company survived because his son started kindergarten.
Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts.
One woman was late because her alarm clock didn’t go off in time.
One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike because of an auto accident.
One of them missed his bus.
One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.
One’s car wouldn’t start.
One went back to answer the telephone.
One had a child that dawdled and didn’t get ready as soon as he should have.
One couldn’t get a taxi.

Then there was the man who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, took the various means to get to work but before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today.

Now, when I am stuck in traffic, miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone, pause to change a suddenly dirty garment, etc. etc. etc., and I face all the little things that annoy me, I think to myself, this is exactly where God wants me to be at this very moment.. Next time your morning seems to be going wrong, the children are slow getting dressed, you can’t seem to find the car keys, you hit every traffic light, don’t get mad or frustrated; God is at work watching over you. May God continue to bless you with all those annoying little things and may you remember their possible purpose

I just suffered a kidney stone attack, and already a huge list of God’s providences have been revealed to me directly because of this experience. All things work together for good.

Mark

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