Thursday; April 19
When our young family
moved to Pierre, South Dakota in the summer of 1992 we were excited about the
new adventure. We had never lived in
that part of the country, nor had we been so close to the workings of State
Government. Living in Pierre is neat
experience because, since it is the second smallest state capital in the United
States, you get to experience civics and politics up-close-and-personal. Less than a year later, we became well aware
of just how much of a small town Pierre was.
On April 19, 1993 Governor George Mikkelson, members of his staff and
business advisers were killed in an airplane crash. The community was devastated. Just about everyone in town had a connection
to the incident. For some, is was a
personal relationship with one of the people on the plane, for others it was
through their jobs with the state. Even
though it has been twenty-five years since the incident I still recall the
initial hurt and the subsequent numbness that overwhelmed a small town in the
Northern Plains. While much of the world
watched another incident unfold in Waco, Texas, Pierre grieved its own loss.
As I think back on
that day, I am reminded of just how much people need people. Whether it was the impromptu gatherings on
the Capitol lawn or the memorial services that were scheduled around town, we
needed each other just to get from one day to the next. When I reflect on that event I am reminded of
the New Testament passage, “Bear one
another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”. (Galatians 6:2)
On one hand I recognize the command being issued, but maybe it is the
heartfelt wisdom that stands out to me.
We need people to stand with us during difficult times and we need to be
there for them. That’s why there is
love, that’s why there are people who share our world.
Do you
know someone who needs you? Don’t miss
the chance to touch their life and ease their burden!
Think About It!