Do you remember where you were on 9/11/01? Do you remember what you were wearing? Who you were with? What you were doing? I remember it vividly. I was in nursing school preparing for one of my first exams that morning. I remember we got the notification as soon as our exam was finished. I remember hearing my class mates wailing, weeping, and hysterical as we watched the news. I remember them saying over and over which family member or friend worked in the twin towers….

But more than that I remember the days that followed, the days of incredible sadness as we learned the horrific unimaginable loss that we had experienced. I remember the stories of the heros of that day. The stories of the first responders and the American citizens who did whatever they could to help. I remember the way our country united. I remember driving down the streets and seeing American flags flying everywhere as tears rolled down my cheeks. I remember the songs that were played on the radio, I remember how the national anthem began to get played on many radio stations every day at a specific time, and how I would change the station just so I could hear it.

I remember the solidarity of sports teams, and celebrities, who were coming together for the good of our country. I remember that politics, economic status, education, race, NONE of it mattered. All that mattered was that we were AMERICANS, and that we were strong and that we would get through this.

As I remember that day I am thinking about the countless families that were shattered, without notice, without warning, without a chance to say good bye. And it makes me think….. What if today is my last day? What if it is your last day?

Have we accomplished what God created us to do? Have we impacted the world for HIS GLORY? Have we been the hands and feet of Christ to a dying world? Have we allowed the world to see Jesus’ love through us?

Have we left things unsaid? Not forgiven those that hurt us? Have we held grudges for so long we don’t know what was even the beginning of the problem? Have we judged others when we are not to judge, only God is? Have we told the ones that we love that we love them and appreciate them? Have we appreciated our friends and family for the incredible gifts that they are? Have we thanked God for His provision in our lives?

Today as I ponder 9/11/01 and the way it changed the world, I also am reminded of the love that God poured out on me that day and all the days since. I am reminded that He has called me, to share that love with others and that we are not promised another minute on this earth outside of His plan. Are you ready? Are you fulfilling His calling on your life? Knowing that today could be the last chance you have?

1 PETER 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.