Wednesday Reflection

Perseverance, Because I'm Weary

There is nothing quite like physical exercise to change your perspective when it's been a day that requires perseverance - the perseverance to remain steadfast despite the difficulties and delays that cross your path... 

Which is why 'Perseverance Trail' was aptly named for our Sunday afternoon hike. 

While walking there were so many parallels of life and our christian experience that came to mind. Memories of Pilgrims Progress came flooding back. 

You begin the trail with a gradual incline. On either side of your path the scraggly underbrush meets your eye. Somehow even before spring sends it's paintbrush of green it's still beautiful. Progressing on the trail second growth Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock reach for the distant heavens. You cross a bubbling brook, the sunshine playfully illuminating the sparkling waters. We have now covered about half a mile, a sign reminds us that there are still two miles to go before we reach the top. However the vigor of youth keeps us encouraged and enthusiastic, and we don't let this harbinger of what is to come slow us down. Laughter and smiles cross our faces.

The slope steadily increases, although we still don't give it much thought. Caught up in our chatter we continue to press on. Gradually the terrain begins to change. The trail is distressed from a recent windstorm. Majestic trees have been uprooted and mud clogs the trail. I try to make it through without getting too much on my Nike's. Soon it becomes rather easy again  with a well worn gravel path leading us on. Now a new element is introduced - snow. This makes everything more difficult. Our chatter has ceased as now we must focus on maintaining our pace and foothold. 

Again the trail steepens. I work on placing one foot in front of the other, keeping the camera safe while trying to observe my surroundings. Rocks jut out of the path becoming new footholds. Hiking with two teenage boys keeps the pace steady. Mini ravines have been carved into the trail, providing a place for the rain to escape, but also a prime opportunity to twist your ankle. I momentarily lose my balance. Fortunately, I quickly regain it. A narrow switchback is cut into the side of the steep hill. My face is ruddy, my legs feel the incline, and my throat longs for the coolness of the water stashed in my pack. We don't stop.

Questions cross my mind. Is it worth it? Why would I want to hike miles uphill to see a lake? 

As if nature could hear my doubtful thoughts, the sound of a roaring waterfall meets my ears. Now I know the lake is not far off. We continue our journey up. I'm tired. I'm thirsty. I want to complain, but I don't. Again I slip on the snow covered board walk. My shoes and socks are damp. Then we reach a fork in the trail. A momentary debate ensues over which direction to head. We decide on the road less traveled and turn right. The sign encourages us that we have almost reached our destination. 

We continue over the slippery, snow covered trail. As we draw closer to the lake the snow begins to recede once again revealing the weathered boardwalk. The trail lays before me - narrow and seemingly unending.  

We press on, aware we are almost to the lake. Weary, I catch my first glimpse of the lake. My doubtful questions are erased and I pause to capture the eery beauty before me. 

Now we continue with renewed strength. Merry conversation and laughter fill the air. We've seen what is to come and we feel encouraged; continuing directly to our usual finish line. 

Once arrived, the breathtaking beauty speaks volumes. We behold with wonder the astonishing works of the Creator's hand. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 

The reflections are perfect. Our brief discomfort on the journey, our light affliction was well worth the work.

In every aspect this hike reflects our walk with the Lord. Persevering effort is required. Each of our experiences unique, but the parallels speak to all. When we begin the journey we are filled with exuberant excitement. The trail seems to be plainly defined before our feet. Slowly the terrain becomes more challenging. At first we don't seem to notice and press forward with a merry heart. 

Then we come to the first uprooted tree. A few get tired and turn back. They see difficulty, get their shoes dirty and worry that they might fall. They notice the steep upward progression of the trail. There are those who attempt the crossing without much thought and get bogged down in the mire. Seeing the cares, perplexities and trials that lay before them they forget to look to Jesus and see only the difficult climb. Gradually they are engulfed. Those that keep their eyes fixed on their divine Guide succeed, finding renewed strength from clinging to the Guide.

Slowly the path becomes more perilous and more difficult. More are falling by the wayside. Those remaining are becoming weary. It.is.hard. There is no way to change the facts. When they examine the big picture, when they see how far they've come, when they remember their faithful Guide, they press on. 

This is not the kind of hiking their city friends are enjoying. This path is not paved or wide. In fact, trail is surprisingly narrow and doubts being to arise. This is not the trail of no self denial, no sacrifice, and no helping others. When these doubtful thoughts assail them, their long-suffering Guide points out a sign. He's the Master. He's made this journey before...He knows. With renewed strength they continue the upward climb. 

Yesterday I found myself weary. Tired and lacking the motivation to persevere. Life stresses have the tendency to get in the way. I was caught in the self trap - I was weary. "I" had come this far, "I" had done this or that, but I knew "I" was defeated. "I" needed to turn back. I was forgetting the vital element that would have meant my defeat long ago. Wrapped up in self, I was forgetting Him. Forgetting His faithfulness and how He has always led. How through good and bad He has always been there for me. How He has always picked me up when I've fallen. How he has loved me. 

I'm weary of this generation that is half interested, who half heartedly applies themselves to their God given ambitions. I'm tired of this sin laden world. I'm faint, but God has called. He has instructed that we persevere; that we press on despite the difficulties and delays and give it our best shot. Let's not hold anything back, let's give it all to Him! I want to go to my heavenly home, He's given signs. Don't fall away. Don't lose sight of your goal. It's far better than anything you can ever imagine. Persevere, persevere, persevere... 

"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God that prepared for them that love Him." - 1 Corinthians 2:9

Wednesday Reflections

Sunshine and the Salty Sea {Hello Monday}

Remembering that since January there has been eighteen plus inches of rain; forgetting what sunshine feels like. Wondering if the cloudy skies will ever clear; forgetting what a blue sky looks like. Then He surprises you and sends a breathtaking azure sky and sparkling sunshine for you to soak in. 

Hello to taking the blessings when He sends them, seizing the moment. By afternoon the clouds had rolled across the sky, and liquid sunshine was falling once again. 

A welcomed surprise.   

                            

 

 

Alaska. Amazing mountains, rugged beaches, and lovely blue, blue sky.

Monday, a new week, and a fresh start.  

Live, love, laugh; life is precious! 

His Love

love

/noun/

A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection.

"Love never gives up.

Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.

Love doesn’t strut,

Doesn’t have a swelled head,

Doesn’t force itself on others,

Isn’t always “me first,”

Doesn’t fly off the handle,

Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,

Doesn’t revel when others grovel,

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,

Puts up with anything,

Trusts God always,

Always looks for the best,

Never looks back,

But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies." 

-The Message 

True. Timeless. Love. Accepting people where they're at. Looking for the best. Never giving up. Human love is so flawed, so faulty. Divine love is perfect. 

“God is love.”- 1 John 4:16 His love is written in nature. Even though the world is marred by the curse of sin His love is still reflected. "There are flowers upon the thistles, and the thorns are covered with roses."

Perfect implicit love, pure trust in Him. “… I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.” –Jeremiah 31:3 

The definition: A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection. He loves us with an everlasting love! He has a deep personal attachment and affection for each one of us. Sin has left its scars, its pain, its mark. In Him we can be renewed, changed, completed. Give Him your brokenness, run to Him. 

Are you grasping it? Do you see? The Maker of the Stars cares about YOU. You are precious, you are valued. If you are only willing to come to Him; He loves you! He died just for you. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

I have scars, sin has left it's crimson stain. I've hurt Him, my actions have pierced His soul. My sins held him to the cross that dark night. Yet He still wants flawed, broken, wretched me. Through Him I can be healed, changed and renewed. Jesus loves even me! 

"Amazing love! how can it be

That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?"

Golden Rays

 Spring is springing! Yesterday the gray skies parted and the sun graced us with its delightful presence. We donned our jackets and began our adventure by the sea. 

Meandering down the driveway, we took a path through a quiet wood, crossed a babbling brook and arrived at the beach.

Even the wind felt playful, frolicking with the water.

Reflections danced.

Our trusty Southeast Alaskan sneakers. You know a local by their boots, American made and well loved.  

The joy of a puddle! 

Beautiful. Happiness. 

 A smidgen of blue sky forever captured.

He is faithful! With His word the turbulent ocean calmed and became a placid sea. (Mark 4:39) Truly He is good. He will always care for you. Let us take heart! He has a special plan for each of our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 sums it up well. 

"I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." -The Message

Thanking Him for the delight found in a sunny day!  

My Alaska

  Windy waters. Wild topography. Welcome to my Alaska.

I've called the last frontier home for all the time God has been gracious to give. The hospital down the road is the same one I was born in. It's hard to go somewhere and not run into a friend. People still smile and help each other out. Life as we know it is entirely different from any other spot on the globe.When the sun dips below the horizon the sky turns a brilliant pink highlighting the mountains and all their rugged beauty. On those evenings the ocean glimmers in mirror perfection and you can't help but be drawn to the beauty. Truly God is good.

Not every day is picture perfect. Sometimes you wonder if the pouring rain will ever cease, if the sun will ever return, or if the wind will take a break from howling. Even in the midst of a storm there's still magnificence to be found in the landscape. However, every die hard Alaskan will tell you with a grin plastered on their face, "Just another day in paradise."

God's handiwork is showcased in the smallest lichen growing on the silver alder to the mammals roaming the terrain. Land meets sea where the rocky beaches strewn with golden drift wood plunge into the mighty Pacific. It's a land of stories, hardships, and untamed spirit. This is my story, my experience, my Alaska...

"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature." -Romans 1:20