Remembering the Storms, Rejoicing on the Other Side

September 11 is a day every American remembers. It is a day with images forever burned in our mind of tragic and devastating loss. The day brings vivid memories of details such as "where we you when you heard the news?" We can probably all recall what we were doing when we heard our country was attacked and the feelings of helplessness and fear that gripped our hearts. Through the years those who were lost are grieved over daily by their families and our country continues on with the day to day lifestyle. But on this anniversary, we stop and reflect on what was lost and embrace the grace that brought us through.

For our family September 11 is also a day of remembering. It has been one year since our middle son was involved in an ATV accident on that day. Recalling the day, I can remember where I was, the exact words I heard telling me he had been in an accident, the feeling of immediate fear and helplessness.

It is also a day to remember grace. God graciously protected our son and spared his life. Later when we heard the extent of his injuries which we were told he was a breath away from death, our hearts overflowed with thankfulness and praise.

As we look back over the year of crisis, we can now see more clearly than we did in those first few days. Sometimes when crisis comes, it blindsides us and we simply do what it takes to survive. Last year at this time, I'll never forget arriving at the hospital to see our son on the stretcher, bruised and bleeding. The next few months were a flurry of rest, healing, doctor visits and constant care. Each day was a gift to cherish and be thankful as we began to see improvement. Now a year later, he is whole, healthy and healed.

As I write this, another storm is coming. Her name is Irma and she is plowing through our state. I'm posting this early because we may not have electricity tomorrow. But we are trusting the Lord in the midst of this storm as well as the storms of life. Storms will come in and out of our lives, but it is vital to remember that they don't stay forever. The effects may linger, but we continue walking through them. There is something good on the other side. As we remember 9/11, we cannot help but remember God's great grace. It enables us to go through the storms and comforts us in the midst of them.

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