By the Rev. Todd Walsh, Across the Pastor’s Desk

Grace Lutheran Church

We are in the middle of days when we remember the 10th anniversary of the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

“I never got to say, ‘Goodbye.’” Those are the words of many of the loves ones who died on that tragic day. And there are the equally powerful conversations that many of those who died that day were able to have with their loved ones. And we also cannot forget the joyful tears of reunions for those who survived to see their loved ones and to see another day.

There are many of us who have said the words, “I never got to say, Goodbye.” It is very hard to lose a loved one to sudden death. There are words you would like to have said. And there are probably words you would have liked to have taken back.

And I would say that it is equally hard to say a final goodbye to a loved one. There are so many deep and intense emotions that mark a loss about to happen before our eyes. There is the life lived that is about to become the life ended. There are the memories both good and bad, and there are the future memories that will now not happen.

I learned some weeks after the 9/11 attacks that one of those who died at the World Trade Center was a college classmate. I did not know him well. I did know he was very talented and gifted. I wondered about the gifts lost in that one life cut short. Multiply that loss many times over for those who died on 9/11. And again for the men and women who have given their lives at home and in faraway lands for our safety since that day.

Now I would like you to consider the gifts that God has given to you. Let me start with the relationships. Are there words that you would like to say to another that you are putting off for any number of reasons? Is there a reconciliation that you are putting off? Why not say those words now? Why not at least try to reconcile now?

Let me now ask you to consider the abilities and talents that God has given you. Are you putting your abilities and talents to the best use? Are you caring for, nurturing and growing the gifts that God has given to you?

Let me be more specific to some of the terrors that wreck us. Is alcohol consumption drowning out the person God made you? Are illegal drugs clouding your future? Is your temper burning bridges behind you and ahead of you?

I am writing to a general audience in a local newspaper. But I am confident when I say that you are a person who makes the difference in the life of another. There are gifts in you that you do not know about and are needed in this world.

Many gifted lives were tragically ended 10 years ago. We are called to remember those lives and remember those gifts. We are called to grow our gifts, share our gifts and learn anew our gifts.

Albert Lea is blessed with many church communities that need you. And there are many other organizations in Albert Lea that help make this a great place to live. You are needed there too.

The words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount aptly finish my words to you.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same we, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5.14-16).