Where Were You?

This month marks the 10^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in Washington, D.C. and New York City. Like so many others, I can vividly remember where I was when I heard the news and can revisit the varied emotions brought on by live images of burning then collapsing buildings. Although I was sitting in a classroom in Jasper, AL, the continuous broadcasts from cable and network news outlets with moment-by-moment commentary gave me and indeed the entire nation one shared experience of that day. In a sense we all lived through it as if we were in New York or Washington. We all saw the second plane hit, either live or shortly after via replay. We watched as hundreds of emergency workers rushed to the World Trade Center, desperate to save as many lives as possible. We all stood aghast when the massive buildings crumbled beneath their own weight, burying those emergency workers in with such force the debris cloud was visible from space. The most chilling moments for many came before the tragic collapse when bodies were raining from the sky as people chose to jump from the highest floors instead of being engulfed by the inferno. This, perhaps more than anything else, forced the nation to think about how fragile life is and how quickly it can be taken away.

The days after the attacks were ones of unity, patriotism, sacrifice, bravery, anger, and uncertainty. As our leaders sought to reassure a startled nation and enlighten the American people about what happened, individual citizens tried to understand what this new reality would mean for their lives. Some would go to far away lands and fight those responsible. Others would turn their attention to the families of victims and the ongoing needs of first responders. Regardless of the specific action taken, many dedicated themselves to serving something bigger. Seeing that life is so fragile and so easily taken, there was a renewed determination among the people to use their lives in the service of something that would outlast them. They wanted their lives to mean something, to make a positive difference in their world.

Unfortunately, it sometimes takes horrific events to remind us that life is short and should be used wisely. However, these ideas are not new. King Solomon, after a life full of every sort of experience and pleasure, said this:

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.

The purpose of life is to find God. When we find him, we are completely awed by His power and presence. We stand reverently before Him, obeying His commands. That is our whole purpose. That is the only conclusion we can come to when we hear all that can be said about the matter. Fear God and keep His commandments.