Watching the memorial services on television this morning was like a hot poker into my heart.  Time eases the pain but one never forgets and I’m always surprised how easy it is for that pain to bubble forth.

I watch how people came together on that tragic day forgetting all their prejudices, their anger and resentments.  For a time we were all one…..one soul, one family, one hurt, one love.  Today a lot of those still remain; for others it seems some of the prejudices were exacerbated. 

For some the hate is stronger…the hate for other cultures, someone not like us in America.  Though I understand it, I also wonder how anyone can heal with so much hate.

As I watch so many different races and cultures come together I wonder if any of them realize, what they give of themselves…love, tolerance, and compassion…all come back to each of them.  Maybe some do, and others don’t yet contemplate it.  It was the main lesson that Jesus taught…”to love one another as I have loved you.” 

Most days we go through life without a second thought to someone next to us on the same bus, train, airplane and doctor’s office.  Yet when a tragedy like this occurs, we are suddenly aware of each person around us…their pain, their suffering, and somehow we find it within ourselves to reach out and connect.  That tells me that love and compassion are an innate part of who we all are.  It is the Divine in us.  “I am in you and you are in Me.”  We are part of our Creator; our Creator who is all love. 

Meanness, prejudice, hate are all negative things that are learned from our environment and others.  So can one day like 9/11 change the way people think about each other?  Can we learn to love one another as Jesus tried so hard to teach us, or will it take more 9/11s?  I hope not.

“All the Love that you’ve been giving, has all been meant for you”….Moody Blues