Seize the Day

I was sitting in Mr. Coughlin's Old Testament class at Bishop Kelley and Mr. O'Brien (now Fr. O'Brien) came in and whispered something to my teacher. Mr Coughlin turned the TV on and told us that 2 planes had flown into the World Trade Center in New York City. In disbelief, we as the towers fell. We then went to an all school mass, where the principal told the whole school what happened. I don't remember learning much in school that day. We watched the news in several classes. I do remember ending football practice with one of the seniors Tony Scardino leading us in prayer. Tony sat out his senior year in football to rehab his knee injury so he could join the Marines. For the rest of the games that season Tony lead the team onto the field carrying an American flag.

Where were you on that day? What were you doing? This next week marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11, a day that forever changed us.  The next year would prove to be a difficult year for many people. Many struggled with grief over losing a loved one in the attacks. Many struggled with survivors guilt wondering why their life had been spared. Most of us were scared at what the future held. The first year following 9/11 would prove to be a trying year for me, but in a different way.

Our church like many others opened their doors that Tuesday evening for a time of prayer. For myself and many others at church this would not be the last time that we gathered in that sanctuary for prayer. Shortly after the attack on the World Trade Center, my youth minister Andy was diagnosed with Leukemia. He began treatment in January 2002. Andy reminded our youth group the night before his treatment began that God has a plan for our lives. He shared Jeremiah 29:11 with his. He told us that he was not scared about what the future held, because he knew that God was in control. In May of 2002, Andy was not doing well. Again the church opened its doors one night. Our youth group and other church members came to the church to pray. We prayed and begged God that He would see Andy through the night, and he did. On May 28, 2002, God called Andy home. It was so hard for our youth group, we so longed for an earthly healing, but God had a bigger and better plan. He brought Andy complete and total healing in the next life. God continued to use Andy. Andy had challenged us to bring an unsaved friend to summer camp. Many students did and people came to know the Lord because their friend invited them to summer camp. Most of all Andy taught us a life lesson that is hard for us to understand. Andy taught us about trusting in God for everything. He challenged us not worry about our future, because God has a plan and His plan is perfect. Andy was a godly man who trusted in the Lord with all his heart.

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future"

Jeremiah 29:11

Life has changed a lot since 9/11/01. There are many things that have become the "norm". I am moved by the first responders that ran to the buildings that day while everyone else ran away. We have seen men and women continue to serve in the military past original contracts as well as men and women join after 9/11 with the nation at war. But what inspires me the most, is the stories of the everyday people just living life. The Todd Beamers and those who helped him over power the terrorists on United Flight 93. These men and women inspire us to not accept defeat, to not allow the terrorists to rule our lives, and to do something. They inspire us to serve our communities and each other, may their sacrifice not be in vain.

So I challenge you this next week, to serve others and reach out to your neighbor. May we honor those who gave their lives to save others by do something for the greater good. May we honor the memory of everyone who lost their lives that day by laying aside our political backgrounds and uniting as Americans to remember. May we honor the men and women of the military by flaming the patriotism that was so evident in the days following 9/11. Fly your flags. Hold a door open for someone. Smile at someone you pass on the street. Buy a co-worker or friend lunch just because.  Don't rush through your day. Take time to be thankful for the freedom and safety we enjoy. Spend time with your family. Hug your children. Don't waste your life. Seize the day. Live in the moment. Take risks. Always be thankful for each day you have.

"Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry is own weight, this is a frightening prospect"

Eleanor Roosevelt

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."
Ronald Reagan

"The momentum of freedom in our world is unmistakable - and it is not carried forward by our power alone. We can trust in that greater power Who guides the unfolding of the years. And in all that is to come, we can know that His purposes are just and true."

George W. Bush

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

Mother Teresa

"And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. "

John F. Kennedy