This is a day I usually do a thoughtful post about remembering 9/11/01 and just as importantly, 9/12/01 when we were truly united as a country after collectively suffering through the physical and psychological trauma of the deadliest terrorist attack on US soil in US history.

Each year for the past several, I would highlight the fact that we, as a nation, seem to be forgetting what it was like that day and the weeks and months following. Maybe that changes next year on the 20th anniversary but this year 9/11 almost feels like an afterthought.

The country is as divided and as polarized as it’s been in my lifetime and in the midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic and the current social unrest and the absolute politicization of both, one can’t help but wonder where it ends.

People on all sides are angry and edgy and we, as a nation have drifted so far from what draws us together and unifies us that it’s tough to even recognize America and what she is becoming.

Tribalism driven by sequestering ourselves to echo chambers of like-minded ideology while we utilize our favorite media sources to fuel our outrage at the other side has created an atmosphere unlike anything I’ve seen.

Thankfully, here in Montana we are as far removed from this chaos as I believe it’s possible to be, though it still seeps in.

So this year all I will say is that we are miles from unity and unfortunately, in many cases, miles from civility and in its totality, it ain’t a great place to be.

On this September 11th I’m thankful to live in what is, in spite of all her imperfections, still the greatest country in the world and rather than urge unity all I can do is look inward and take stock of the amazing blessings in my life and I would urge everyone to do the same.

I’m tuning out from media this day, rather than fueling the fires of outrage. Yes, there is an abundance of chaos out there and I have opinions about all of it, just like you do. But in the absence of civility amongst those keyboard warriors so desperate to prove their points, I’m not going to waste my time with it.

Today I’m going turn my attention to the world by which I’m surrounded. I’m going to appreciate the blue sky and the changing colors. I’m going to enjoy the sunlight on my face and I’m going to spend time this day with the people who are the most important thing in my life. I reject outrage this day and I reject being manipulated into divisiveness and hatred.

On this day I look to the heavens and thank God for everything that is good in my life and for the strength to endure what is not and I pray for this nation and for this world.

These are angry, uncertain and exhausting times but there is light. Light not found in political parties or candidates or social movements but in personal relationships, in kindness to our fellow human beings, whatever their stripes, and in love.

Be the light.