We will never forget....September 11, 2001, a day that for my generation we will never forget. Much like Pearl Harbor, it's a day that will go down in infamy as we reflect upon the terrorist attacks on US soil for the first time in over 50 years. I remember, as I am sure all of you do, exactly where I was and what I was doing. I had just began my student teaching in Monroe and was just beginning the day when we were informed of the attacks. Being only 22 at the time, I had never experienced anything of this nature. My world stopped that day for awhile and made me realize what a gift I have been given to live in this wonderful country. Now 9 years later, I realize that I am still affected by the events of this day. I think I grew up a little that day as I realized that I have been blessed to live in this country. I also realized that people around this world begrudge me because of this freedom. The price of this freedom is great, since there are so many people who have never experienced it. And so on this day I am reminded to be grateful. Grateful not only to live in such an awesome country, but grateful for all the blessings in my life.
Yesterday, I had taken my 8th grade class over for Adoration at the church and we were all reflecting on Mary's Magnificat. (Luke 1: 46-55) I was teaching the kids how to pray with Scripture and so I told them to pay attention for something to kind of "pop out" at them. Well, I did the same exercise while they were and the line that struck me was this, "The Mighty has done great things for me..."(vs. 49) The Lord then spoke to me about being grateful for all the things the Lord has blessed me with. I have a tendency to look often at what I feel is missing from my life. No husband, no kids of my own, little savings, etc....And the Lord showed me at that moment my 24 eighth graders sitting there. My foster children for now. And quickly my heart was reminded to be grateful for each and every one of them. I continued to think on all the things I am blessed with. A humble, but lovely home. A car that runs and gets me to all the places I need to be. A job where I am able to impact the lives of children day in and out. Family and friends who love me.
So today, I am making the choice to be grateful. Grateful to be able to live in the United States of America, a land that I LOVE. I am grateful for the men and women who continue to fight on my behalf and keep us free and safe. I am grateful for all the people in my life that have added to my life in some way or another. Life isn't always easy, and maybe not even fair, but life is good because I am free to continue on loving and serving God and my country.
May God Bless America this day! We will never forget!
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