Remembering

 This week is one that has 'remembering' on the minds of many.

With the one-year anniversary of the murder of a highly influential person, alongside the 25th anniversary of a major act of terrorism within our own borders that ended the lives of thousands in an instant, a large majority of humanity is pausing to reflect.

Amidst the reflection occurring within my own heart and mind came a question: What are we remembering?

It is easy to remember that evil is very present.

Is it also easy to remember that good is very present?

Regurgitating the evils that have been and continue to occur on a daily basis - yes, this is one way to remember. It is a way to gain attention, to fuel a fire, to amp up the crowd. It is also a way to build barriers, to cut off community, and to entirely lose hope.

Reminding of the good that is always circulating amongst the evil - this is another way to remember. It is a way to gain perspective, to uplift and unite, to honor and heal, to empower and inspire, to respect and restore.

In this recent reflection, my mind's eye saw a picture. It was an old book on a high shelf, covered in dust and cobwebs.

This image stirred within me a realization that we have forgotten what we already possess. See, the truth is that each of us has been gifted with things in this life that we have put away 'on a shelf' and stopped using.

When we remember a young, passionate life that ended publicly and abruptly, we clearly see the intellectual and relational talents that were suddenly lost and are no longer impacting our society.

When we remember those who spent the final moments of their lives running headlong into imminent danger, a light shines on the courage and character and strength and sacrifice that seemingly disappeared along with them.

But what if the good that was occurring in the midst of the evil caused us to dust off the treasures that still exist?

What if we realized that we have incredible opportunities in our possession that we, much like those we remember this week, can passionately embrace and actively utilize to increase the potential for good to speak louder than evil?

Pull out your stepladder, check out that old dusty shelf, and see what you find. Maybe it looks like:

Generosity

Compassion

Time

Hospitality

Learning

Encouragement

Creativity

Leadership

Connection

Help

Inspiration

Life

Each of us has unique abilities and opportunities that no one else does. Yet none of us knows how much time we are given to use them. We must fight hard to ensure they do not go to waste.

And everyone, everywhere, is influencing someone.

What are you doing with your influence?

Every moment is a chance to remember.