Spending 7 days exploring Alaska with my two oldest sons was an amazing opportunity. Especially in light of how rapidly things have changed for my family - in such a short amount of time. We've gone from 3.5 years of living in the mental & emotional whirlpools that form from waiting, to "we're moving where?!". So, for us to even accept the idea that a big boat was going to fling us up into a frigid Eden for a week was a bit too random to process.
The views were other-worldly. So pure. It was if the millions of tourists that have plunged into Alaskan waters & stomped through its primeval forests, did so while wearing Zip-lock baggie suits. Everywhere we went felt virtually untouched,
unexplored. Apparently, this is owed to its massive size. Texas is big & rightfully associated with everything large, but it ain't nothin' compared to the magnitude of ole #49. Literally at every turn we were assaulted with another stupefying vista. My boys & I are so grateful to have had this rare chance to see it together. We'll never forget it...
...and yet, sometimes we will.
How is it that after being immersed in a surrealistic paradise, literally tasting & breathing all that it has to offer, we still let the hot & humid realities of our lives erase those memories? It really happened - we were there for cryin' out loud! We saw near perfect natural majesties all around us & ate demi-god-like food for one entire week of our lives, and we still wind up falling into the myopic trap of fear, temptation, and hardship. Why is that?!!
No matter how far we fling ourselves out from our everyday views, we will never be able to shake off this flesh-suit & find complete freedom through anything this spinning rock has to offer. Unfortunately, it's in our DNA. A couple of guys sealed it for the rest of us about 8,000 years ago & we haven't been able to break free from their behavioral pattern ever since. The only escape that's truly effective & lasting is found in what we haven't seen yet. It lies beyond the offerings of this rotating mass of dirt. It's bigger than our sense of "BIG". Purer than our visions of untouched snow.
Memories have their place in shaping our lives for the good, but they do end up fading.
God's goodness is on constant refresh. His strength is perfect in re-centering my fickle human responses to this highly imperfect world. I'm so thankful for what lies beyond the majesty of an Alaskan skyline. That, although mind-blowingly beautiful, the stunning fix of natural wonders have their limits. My hope lies in a God who has none.
Hey Marty! Great to see a new blog from you. Your blogs always get me thinking. Praying for you and your family, as you start a new season. I'm looking at starting something new myself fairly soon, so your post is very timely for me. You've definitely given me some food for thought.
I'm glad that you and your boys enjoyed the trip to Alaska. (I love the pics you put up on fb.) I wish you and your family all the best as you move. God bless!
Posted by: Susie Finney | July 17, 2010 at 10:05 AM
You have a way w/ words that is somewhat philosophical. The words paint a picture. It's refreshing to read this entry as well as the previous ones.
Also there have been times this calendar year that I wished I live in your neck of the woods (instead of Minnesota) just so that I could be of assistance for a few different situations including the flooding (and your house).
Posted by: 4himcamper | July 17, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Alaska sounds fun. I've never been but I'd sure like to someday. My kids keep mentioning it so there's a high likelihood it could happen.
Posted by: Manhattan Mold Removal | October 05, 2010 at 02:02 PM