Markers in Time

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
—Psalms 118:24

It was only 25 years ago that America witnessed the first space shuttle disaster as the Challenger disintegrated before our eyes 73 seconds into her flight. Gone were the people who, moments earlier, had waved a confident good bye at the launch pad.

Do you remember where you were when you heard of it or saw the news videos? I know exactly where I was…at the church facilitating a meeting of hospital directors.


Major events that catch us are often long remembered. Think about:

• Martin Luthor King on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in August 1963…”I have a dream”
• John F. Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963
• Ronald Reagan’s “Tear down this wall” speech in Berlin in 1987
• The Berlin Wall is torn down in 1989
• New Years Eve 1999 and the Y2K fears
• World Trade center attack September 2001
• Space shuttle Columbia disaster February 2003
• Indian/Indonesian Ocean Tsunami December 2004
• Financial crisis on Wall Street from 2007 to today

While you may have experienced each of these events alone, more likely you were with others. Do you remember how you felt? You will probably never forget!

Every day people experience their own personal events that will never be forgotten right here at the hospital. Whether routine or typical for you or me, it is life challenging and changing for them. It is their personal “Marker in time” that will be with them throughout their lives.

How you treat them will have a profound impact for the good and better if you are compassionate, or the exact opposite if you are indifferent or preoccupied.

Listen to these words of wisdom from Maya Angelou: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Today is the day God has given you. Help those for whom this day is filled with worry and fear. Help them find hope and comfort in your presence.