Will Never Forget

Where were you that fateful day? September 11, 2001? I was at home with my mom and oldest brother, Scott. I was 19, still living in Salt Lake. We were all getting ready for work; it was only 6am, but the television was randomly on. I don't remember who turned it on, but somehow it was on a news station. Scott called out from the front room that there was an accident being reported out of New York City, that a plane had hit one of the World Trade Center buildings. The news was talking about how sad it was, how it could have been an accident, as we watched "live" feed of what was happening. Then... the other plane hit.

I headed out of the house to work, kind of numb, because I didn't understand what the news was saying about a possible "terrorist" attack. I didn't even fully know what a terrorist was. I never imagined anything bad could happen to us here in America. We're America, bad things just didn't happen to us like that.

I worked for Ampco System Parking at the time, and was confined to one of those little parking booths outside in a downtown lot. I had a mini television/radio with me, so I turned on the news when I got to work and watched in horror as news about the plane hitting The Pentagon and the other plane crashing before hitting it's target came on. I listened and felt the emotions that were coming through the reporters that day... and the days that followed.

Over the past 10 years, the world has changed a lot. Over the past 10 years, I have changed a lot. I am by no means thankful for the tragedy of September 11, 2001, but I am thankful for all that I have learned from it. It helped to open my eyes and sparked a desire within myself to learn about the world, to learn about relationships, and to recognize the need for charity towards my fellow men. September 11, 2001 helped me to recognize God and Jesus Christ as those who are able to bring peace, comfort, and reassurance in a troubled world.

I have been thinking a lot about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and how important it is for me to recognize the signs of the times. I sometimes get overwhelmed with all the "bad" I see, hear, read, and feel from the world, that I forget to look for the Light of Christ! There are calamities that have been foretold in scripture, more destruction that I feel will still take place, but I am trying to not fear, but to look to the Light of Christ for comfort and joy!

Now onto today. At this moment, it is 10:46pm and my head is throbbing. A lot is going on with family and friends... and even within myself. I know that I can trust in my Savior though, I can place my burdens on Him and He will carry them through mortality for me or reassure me that "my back can carry the burdens placed there on". I know I can listen and read the words of His Prophets to find the answers I need. I know I can pray, and fast, and study the scriptures. I have faith that my head will stop throbbing, metaphorically as much as physically. I know Jesus Christ can bring the peace I so need right now.

I have a very nice framed picture of Christ on my main front room wall. I find myself looking towards it more and more these days. I feel peace, I feel love, I feel everything will be okay when I look towards it. The key point there, I have to look towards Christ! And looking, I am doing now!

I've heard two songs today that bring together these two thoughts, the tragedy of September 11th,  and how my life is right now... They are "I Believe in Christ" and "Amazing Grace" (both performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir)

What a sweet feeling it is to know, Christ is coming! I should be looking forward to that great day with JOY, not fear. May God be with all of us until that day!

God Bless!