September 11 and 666

When the Kaiser scheduled my second cataract surgery for September 11 there was a moment of pause.  September 11 will never be simply another date in September. The date will always conjure images of destruction.  It is not a date that elicits positive emotions or feelings of well-being.  But I let that all go and have been looking forward to seeing as well with the second eye as I do with the first.

Since Sharon and I were at the Irvine facility today for her 5th Taxol infusion, I went downstairs to pick up the three prescriptions of eye drops that I will have to use before and after the surgery.  I was politely told that it would be a while before the prescription would be ready.  I assured the pharmacist that I had several hours to wait so I would simply drop back later to pick up the prescriptions.  She handed me the call number that would help the clerk find my prescription when I returned.  There, in very large numerals, was the number 666.  There was a moment of pause.

Isn't it amazing that dates and numbers can carry such import?  My own response illustrates the power of words and symbols.  We are kidding ourselves if we think words do not matter or that symbols are meaningless.  It has been a reminder that “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” (Proverbs 10:19-ESV) balanced by the passage from Acts, “And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.” (Acts 15:32-ESV).  In each passage there are many words, but in the first it results in much sin while in the second it results in much encouragement.  We should never take lightly the power of our words.