Awesome Majesty

It is an awesome thing to watch the earth move.  

Though the earth and all its inhabitants are quaking, *
I will make its pillars fast. - Psalm 75:3

We have left Alaska, a land where the ice and earth are in motion beneath our feet. Thousands of earthquakes take place each year though most have the effect of a gentle rocking motion rather than the devastating shaking and jolting experienced in places like California.  

The plates of the earth are sliding under each other here rather than against each other as they do elsewhere but that doesn't mean all earthquakes cause no damage.  

A 9.2 earthquake in 1964 created a huge sunami that filled the coastline with water washing away everything in its path and killing 140 people.  It could have been much worse had this place been densely populated.  

There is a lot to be learned from the frontier where nature rules and man learns to live with her.  This is God's country and His power and might is clear. 

What I have been reminded of on this trip is how little control I have in what happens in my life.  And yet I have seen and heard examples of amazing accomplishments by men and women living in this land of extremes.  

I came away also with a renewed sense of mission.  The first church in Alaska was and is an Episcopal church in Ketchican.  And the first person to make it to the summit of Mt. Denali was an episcopal minister.  We are in good company.  

So, in starting our journey back home, I will have much to think about.  Though we only scratched the surface of all Alaska has to offer, we leave with an appreciation of all God's majesty.  

I can share that appreciation with others and let them know we are not here to change the world as much as we are here to change ourselves so we can use our strength to help others live in this world.  

I kind of knew that before, but it helps to be reminded. 

More to come...