This week was the 18th anniversary of 9/11, one of the darkest days in America’s history when over 3,000 people were killed by brutal terrorists. I remember that morning clearly as my husband and I were at the adoption agency making plans for our trip to Ukraine in October to adopt our child. A lady at the agency came rushing into the room to tell us a plane had hit one of the World Trade Centers. We gathered around the TV as we, along with most of the country, watched the second plane hit. The horrific moments of that morning changed America forever.

Do you remember the next day, how the country came together? No politics, or gender, or race separated the country. We were all Americans, broken-hearted grieving Americans, holding our kids closer, thanking God for protecting our families, praying for those who had lost theirs. We were ready to take on the enemy TOGETHER.

Not since or before in my lifetime, can I remember the States of America being so United. Don’t we all long for the closeness of those days following 9/11 again in our country?

As days and years passed, the closeness faded, not just with fellow Americans but, once again, America’s closeness with God. How quickly we forget how much we need Him when things are good. How quickly we forget how much He is there for us when things are bad. We all experience the darkness. On the sunny days, as His children, we need to remember how He carried us through that long dark night, how He is always there for us. It is what gets us through some days.

We are not promised an easy life. The Bible speaks of this in Ecclesiastes 7:14, “Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.” All we have is this current moment, the moment we are in—this moment in time.

What if we each took one moment in time to do inventory, to reflect on our lives? What has God brought us through? How are things right now in our lives, in this moment of time?

If you got out of bed this morning, you are better off than many people in the world. If there is a roof over your head, food in our stomach and clothes on your back, you are so much richer than a large percentage of the world’s population.

What if we all took one moment in time just to remember? Just to express gratitude to the God who made us and gave us everything including the air that we breathe? 

Recently, I had an opportunity to have one of these moments in time that I am talking about. On the Saturday before Labor Day, I found myself with a little time to spend so I took myself and my little dog to Farm Days—just me and Toby. It is the year’s premier event in the little farming community I live in, Dacusville. Toby and I strolled across the rolling, hot field to the seller’s booths. There was everything from antiques, to handcrafted items, and homemade ice cream for sale. There were 1930’s license plates, handmade quilts, and old timey tools that I didn’t recognize, just to name a few of the items on the seemingly endless spread of tables. Every vendor was glad to chat, explaining their wares, and discussing the good old days.

Then, we checked out all of the tractors. Toby had to pose for a picture under each one, or was he just looking for shade? I couldn’t be certain. His tongue was hanging out even more than normal so we went in search of water. Soon we found a sweet family who offered us an ice cold water from the cooler—no charge. A little boy stopped to pose with Toby for a picture.

Every face on that hillside that day seemed to have a sweaty smile. Children were giggling as they rushed to pet my little Toby. Toby got tired and ended up riding in my purse with his head hanging out. Everyone loved that, including Toby. The more pets the better where he is concerned.

I got an ice cream. And Toby and I sat in the grass with his bowl of water and listened to the band sing “Honky Tonk Angel”. It was so hot that the ice cream dripped down my arm, but I didn’t care.

Tractors were chugging and sputtering as the parade began. One tractor had a steam engine and sounded like a train coming round the bend. 

I sat there for awhile and could hear families around me laughing and just genuinely enjoying the day and each other. Sweet music to my ears. My youngest son stopped by to hug me for a minute and to introduce me to his friends as they rushed off to find some food. I continued to sit and enjoy my rest and reflection.

I was thinking about my life, and how good it is. I thought of my precious family and how thankful I am that God gave them to me. I thought of what God has brought me through, and where I am now. I praised Him that I am not where I used to be–going through cancer, going through heartache, going through seemingly endless struggles. That day was a low pain day for me—sweet!  That moment in time was good and I was thankful, and it felt good!

For a moment in time, I drank life in. I praised God for His goodness. I couldn’t help but think of Heaven out sitting under that enormous oak tree in that field on that peaceful Summer day in Dacusville. And I wondered if that was just a little bit like Heaven would be.

No, not even close.

I do believe though that, no matter what we are going through, whether good or bad, if we will stop long enough to take a moment in time and be still with God, we can glimpse eternity.

And it is good! Yes, oh so good!

Dear Lord: Thank You for Your blessings on our country, so much more than we deserve. Please be with the families of those who lost loved ones on 9/11/01, including those heroes, the first responders who rushed up those buildings as they were coming down. There is no greater sacrifice than giving one’s life for a friend. That’s what Jesus did for us, and we are so thankful. Please remind us to take one moment in time to be still and know that You are God. You did not promise us an easy life, but that You will never leave us or forsake us. We are grateful that You are there for us in the dark days and the sunny days alike. Amen

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. Please share your comments, thoughts and experiences.

May you find time to take one moment today to breathe in life, to be still and know that He is God. No matter what you face, He is there with you, and life is always worth the living just because He lives.