Remembering...What Now?

“You have 3 choices when bad things happen to you: You can let it destroy you, you can let it define you, or you can let it develop you.”  Rick Warren

 

Once again, we have paused as a nation to remember the atrocities of “9/11/2001.”   It is another event in United States history where you more than likely remember where you were and what you were doing when you first saw or heard the news.  The devastation was horrific as two hijacked planes flew into the North and South Towers at the World Trade Center in New York City and then a third plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington D.C.  A fourth plane, headed to Washington D.C., crashed in a field in Pennsylvania as passengers tried to regain control of the plane from the terrorists.  Before the smoke and falling debris had a chance to clear, helpers were on the scene.  The firemen, policemen, medical personnel, and people on the street began rescue efforts.  Water, food, blankets, and first aid supplies arrived.  Rescue, recovery, and cleanup would take months and years to complete.

 

Now 12 years later we can look back and see that the event of 9/11 did not destroy America.  Even though it was a defining moment for our country, it was important not to just stay there.  Much needed to be assessed, learned from, and implemented to ensure our nation’s safety. 

 

And 12 years ago, on the morning we went to the doctor for the final consultation to confirm that I had Multiple Sclerosis, I remember praying and asking God that no matter what we found out to please still use me to make a difference for His Kingdom’s work.  Even though we suspected the MS diagnosis, I didn’t want my response to destroy or define me.  I knew there would need to be changes along the way, so my question became, “What now?”  Some things I’ve had to let go, but that has given me the opportunity to embrace, experiment, and discover other ways to develop. 

 

Every day, we each have the opportunity to decide whether we will let circumstances destroy, define, or develop us.  As for me, I choose the latter.

Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:4-5