P. Pilgrim
As America marked the 25th anniversary of the destruction of the Twin Towers last week, we pause to remember one of the darkest days in modern history. On September 11, 2001, thousands of innocent people went to work, boarded airplanes, and began what they expected to be an ordinary day. Before the day was over, their lives had been taken, families had been devastated, and a nation had been deeply wounded. The destruction of the World Trade Centre was not simply the destruction of buildings but behind every window and every office was a human life. Every person who died had a name, a family, hopes, plans, and a future they expected to see. Fathers and mothers never returned home. Sons and daughters lost parents. Husbands and wives were suddenly separated from the people they loved. The Bible reminds us of the brevity and uncertainty of human life. James 4:14 says: “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Those words should cause every one of us to stop and think. Life is precious, but life is also short. We often live as though tomorrow is guaranteed. We make plans for next week, next year, and many years into the future. Yet none of us knows how long God has given us upon this earth. The tragedy of 9/11 reminds us that life can change in a moment.
However, it should not only make us remember death—it should also teach us to value life. Human life is special because it comes from God. The Bible tells us that mankind was created by God Himself. Genesis 1:27 says: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him.” Every human being has value because we are made in the image of our Creator. Life is not merely an accident or something without purpose. It is a gift from God. Psalm 139:14 declares: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” How easily we can take this gift for granted. We become busy with work, money, possessions, entertainment, and our daily responsibilities. We can forget that every breath we breathe is a gift. The apostle Paul reminded the people of Athens that God “giveth to all life, and breath, and all things” Acts 17:25. The anniversary of 9/11 should therefore encourage us not only to remember those who died, but also to consider how we are using the life God has given us. Are we loving our families? Are we helping others? Are we forgiving those who have wronged us? Are we living for things that have eternal value? Most importantly, we should consider our relationship with God. We do not know how many days remain before our earthly journey ends. The Bible says: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12.
The terrible loss of life on September 11, 2001, can never be undone. But the memory of those who died can remind us of the preciousness of every human life and the uncertainty of tomorrow. Let us remember the fallen. Let us pray for the families who still carry their grief. Let us honour those who sacrificed themselves to save others. And let us remember that our lives belong to the living and true God who gave them to us. Life is short and it is precious. Most importantly we need to remember that life is a gift from God. May we therefore use our days wisely, love others faithfully, and above all, be ready to meet our Creator when our earthly life is finished.
(pilgrimway101@yahoo.co)
