September 11 Message from Peter Mayer

What Matters

I was riding up the elevator of a downtown Chicago hotel on the morning of September 11th, 2001, breakfast in hand, when a woman next to me said; “did you hear about the plane hitting the world trade center”? Back in my room I turned on the news. Thoughts in my head of a freak accident or pilot error quickly gave way to the unfolding calamity of our generation. As I heard Dan Rather reporting, it became clear that this was not a just an accident or a mistake, but an intentional act of violence that would, in the coming hours, end nearly 3000 lives and change all of our lives forever. My wife and I had planned to have our two young children come to visit me in Chicago while I was on tour with Jimmy Buffett.  They were due to take their first flight without us that morning. But planes hit the twin towers and all our plans, routines and expectations for that day were pushed aside while we tried to take in what had just happened and care in whatever way we could for those affected by the tragedy and those we loved around us.

This day, 10 years later, I think about and pray for those who lost their lives, and the families and loved ones that still bear the burden and work through the difficult questions of that loss. I also hope that we come face to face with this “today” we have been given with courage, faith, and love for that which matters most in our lives.

My mom had an old crank flour sifter that she used to make bread. I still remember the sound of that crank and the soft perfect flour that floated out of the clumped mess she began with. With the crowded airwaves, violent news, loud conversations, and chaos of what life can be now, I sometimes wish for a sifter to take what I’m holding, and refine the mess into my very best. I try to remember though, the point is not perfection, but to take one more step toward making something real and essential, like bread for the table, something useable, and ready for sharing with others again. In remembering today we can’t wish the world into a perfect place, but we can begin by meeting fear, hurt and hatred with the best of what we’ve got; Love.

Comments

  1. Pete’s a real good man and a real good messenger when it comes to things like; faith, understanding and common ground. I love that about Pete.

    P.S. When is the live cd going to be available? Can’t wait.

    Jon Frattasio on September 16th, 2011

  2. Thanks for this… I remember those sifters too. So looking forward to hearing more new music of yours. Blessings in the recording, mixing, etc.. and all…

    Amy Huacani on September 13th, 2011

  3. Peter,
    Thank You for sharing. Everytime I hear one of your Stories from Childhood or Life’s experiences it is forever embedded in my Brain. You are such an inspiration to so many of us. Please continue sharing with us your God given talent.

    Poodle

    Poodle on September 12th, 2011

  4. Well said, Peter!

    Cynthia Dietz on September 11th, 2011

  5. Thanks…great message we all need

    Vincent neumann jr on September 11th, 2011

  6. Great message!! I could actually imagine your mom making the bread and hear the crank of the sifter – Awesome description!

    Hope your day is filled with much peace and love!
    Deb

    Debbie Grisham on September 11th, 2011

  7. May love saturate this world. May hatred & darkness fade away. Thank you Peter! :)

    Gayla Mitchell on September 11th, 2011

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