September 11 is such a heavy day on my heart. It is our generation's Pearl Harbor. The attack on our soil happened just a few weeks after Chris and I were married. He was in Virginia during the attacks in military training.
He called me to wake me up and let me know what was unfolding. I turned on the TV, and just as I could comprehend what was happening, the second tower was struck in front of my very eyes. I could not comprehend it. And I was scared.
Already I thought, "Is it just the World Trade Center?" "Are other places in jeopardy?" Shaken, I drove to work and heard that a plane struck the pentagon. When I got there, I found out that a co-worker was scheduled to be on that plane. We were just in silent shock as the reality hit us that he would never come home from a routine business trip we all take.
Just a few days after 9/11/2010, I am sitting in a hotel room in the DC area writing this blog entry. The room number is "911". I knew I needed to do this today, but getting this room meant I needed to blog before I went to bed. (and yes, I do have to work in the morning)
So what is so important that it can't wait until tomorrow? This weekend I did something that scares me. I learned to ride a motorcycle! I went to a Basic Riders Course put on by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. I ride with my husband, no problem, but not all by myself! I was scared, I was nervous, but on that little bike I had the time of my life. The instructor said, "You are in Southern California spending the day riding motorcycles! It doesn't get any better than this!" and he was so right. I'm certainly not ready for prime time...I don't even know if I'm ready for my cul de sac! But I am ready to keep practicing, and soon something that is a lot scary and a little fun will be just plain fun!
And I rode that motorcycle for the very first time on September 11. All day, the heaviness of that day was on my mind, and the freedom of doing something I have never done before, that was risky, drove me to keep going. I successfully completed the course and felt deep satisfaction that I commemorated September 11 in a bold way. I did not let my own fear stop me.
Just as we can not let terrorists rob us of our freedom, we can't live caged by our own fears!
So I am resolving to commemorate September 11 every year by doing something a little scary. And I propose to you that it is not too late do do something now! It could be a race or triathlon (Go Suzanne, Aurora and Tonja). It could be a bike ride across the country (Yay Brent!) It could be resolving conflict with a loved one. It could be telling someone you know about the love of Jesus. All these can be a little unsettling, uncomfortable, scary. But I guarantee you will feel amazing when you take a step of faith and do something you never thought possible.
I'd love to hear what bold things you are doing or going to do! Please leave a comment and share!
