What I Learned on September 11

I remember exactly where I was at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001.

I suspect most of you do too. September 11 was one of those days when time stood still, like the day JFK was shot or when the Challenger exploded. The perfect world in which we lived was suddenly, dramatically altered. It wasn’t safe anymore.

For many of us, life will now be divided into two eras—before 9/11, and after.

As the date rolls around this year—now 10 years past—I’ve been remembering those feelings, and some that followed. Like my anger at the people who did this cruel and stupid thing. And my fear that it could happen again. And my trepidation about entering a war on the other side of the world. And my greater anxiety about sending my son to fight it.

 This week I've been reflecting on some of those feelings. What I've discovered is that in a world where nothing seems as secure as it once did, there is a reality that never changes.
Jesus Christ is the same,yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
Here are some scriptures I’ve taken comfort in this week.

Isaiah 6:1–7
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”  
At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”
Mark 13:1–2, 32
As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down" . . .   “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! 
Psalm 90:1–2
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
What are you thinking about on the anniversary of 9/11?