"I am not skilled to understand what God has willed, what God has planned." That is the first line of Aaron Shust's song "My Savior, God." The Christian radio station played that this morning after a report from a woman who was requesting prayer for her friend who has not been heard from since the bridge on I35W collapsed. She said her friend's husband and two daughters are at the hotel where families are waiting for word of their loved ones. It is hard to imagine that God could be glorified in this tragedy, but I firmly believe that He will.
My little family and the friends we have heard from are safe. Thank you, Jesus. I got home yesterday at about 6:20 and sat and watched the television in stunned silence. My mouth literally hung open. I remember thinking that I should close it because it was so cliche that it was hanging open, but when I closed it, it just fell open again.
Thank you to all of our friends and family who checked in with us. That bridge is not part of our daily route in any way. We stick pretty close to the St. Paul side, but whenever we go to Minneapolis, that is the route we take. I have sat on that bridge in rush hour traffic many times on my way to meetings and events. In fact, when Charlie and his dad go to the Twins game on Saturday, they would have taken the bridge, but not now.
I was most concerned about my coworker Ron who lives in South Minneapolis, but he is here safe and sound this morning. He said he crossed the bridge about 30 minutes before the collapse. I know that he is especially stunned today.
Let's all pray today for the survivors, the victims, their friends and families, and for everyone working in that area today and in the coming weeks and months. Pray for the rerouted traffic and for everyone affected by this tragedy.
Something comforting to me was after a prayer from our governor Tim Pawlenty this morning on the Christian radio station, they played "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe. It was an awesome reminder to me that our brothers and sisters who are trapped under the bridge or in the water right now aren't really there. They've already met Jesus face to face and are in His glorious presence.
