"And you will find rest for your souls"

When I was little and my family would drive down to the Jersey Shore, I'd seek out the Twin Towers each time as we passed Manhattan on the NJ side. I had this fantasy where I'd grow up to be a rich doctor and I would buy both the skyscrapers--I would live in one and my grandmother would live in the other. I had no real sense of the size of these buildings, and remember my shock at learning that several thousand people worked there. I was in wonder.

Four years ago this week, I felt a profound sense of loss. I can't describe the depth of feeling, but I'd imagine I don't have to. You probably felt similarly. It was the personal stories of September 11th that got to me the most: the cleaning crew at Windows on the World. The firefighter rushing back up the stairs. The man carrying a disabled coworker down 50 flights and just making it out of the building. The 22 year old girl starting her second day of work a junior analyst for Cantor-Fitzgerald.

My memory of that whole time is completely spotty--friends have had to remind me of major events that happened, but other things I remember clear as day. For instance, I recall 9:00 on Thursday night, I got a call from the director of Campus Ministry (ironically, my current boss). "Potter, I'm sorry to be calling you so late, but I was wondering if you could give a speech tomorrow at the memorial." But I don't remember writing or delivering my reflection. I don't even remember being in the building. I came across my notes in my journal yesterday. I had drawn strength from two bible passages at the time, I thought I'd share them here:

Matthew 11.28-30

"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gently and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Romans 12.9-21

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection. Be patient in suffering. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mind, I will repay, says the Lord." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Comments open for your thoughts. Please share.