"What may I learn from this?"

Today is the day that has become known as Nine Eleven. The events that happened in America on this day 7 years ago has had a ripple effect across the whole world. I know because I felt it here in Africa. And I felt it again today, like I do every year. I marvel at how this potentially destructive tragedy has instead become a connection point for an entire nation. This day has become a moment where they reflect on what they have and what they should be thankful for -- a day that now celebrates freedom and blessings. They have decided to focus on the now and here, instead of the past and the "other", the what ifs and revenge.

I always feel a kind of sadness when this day comes around. I can't help but notice how my own country is still obsessing about the wrongs of the past, and how those who have the power to make it better is still focused on the revenge and hatred instead of the freedom and blessing.

No one country is perfect, I know that very well. But I salute you, Americans, who have chosen to find life in the shadow of death. May that be your legacy, and may the world take notice and learn from it. And may I look back one day at my own country and see how we learned from our mistakes and find the same spirit of forgiveness and unity.

My deepest desire is that we may all stop looking around us asking "What can I get from this", and instead look inwards and ask "What may I learn from this".