I remember September 11, 2001.

Like most people, I remember where I was and what I was doing when the news first broke.

I remember the shock and the disbelief of those around me. I was working in a middle school, and children were crying. Teachers were crying. Others sat stunned.

Televisions across the school looped the scenes and horror incessantly. Like zombies, people stared and wondered.

Students wanted to know they were safe. Teachers wanted to know they were safe. Adults were trying to get in touch with family members in New York and Washington D.C.

Time crept and raced at the same time, and we made it through the day, got the students on buses, got them home. Got us home.

I remember sitting in church later as we tried to understand, to reconcile faith with terror and grace with war.

Today, in an old journal, I found a prayer I penned on September 19, 2001 as I sat in a prayer service.

Father,
align my heart with Your heart;
align my will with Your will;
Let Your wisdom guide,
Your Spirit fill,
Your love possess,
Your peace give rest,
Your Self be all in all.

Today, as then, we are safest and most at peace when we align with the heart of the Father.

Psalm 18:17 He rescued me from my strong enemy
    and from those who hated me,
    for they were too mighty for me.
¹⁸ They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
    but the Lord was my support. (ESV)

Isaiah 46: 4 even to your old age I am He,
    and to gray hairs I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear;
    I will carry and will save. (ESV)