When You Get Mountains Instead of Moose

 

I think God has a sense of humor. One of the things I wanted to see on my trip to Alaska was moose. But ss each day of my trip to Anchorage whittled away, my hopes of seeing a moose began to dwindle. 

On the first day, I saw their fresh droppings on the trail I was jogging along in the Coastal Trail Park; but no moose were to be found. Hilarious!  

The next day, on my road trip from Anchorage to Denali Viewpoint South, I saw road signs cautioning me about them. I was getting closer. But still, no moose.

As I fought my discouragement, it occurred to me that sometimes we think we want one thing in life but God gives us another. And since He is a good God, all-knowing, all perceiving, we can trust Him that at this time, His thing is better than ours.

Mountains instead of Moose

What I did see on my trip were mountains. Loud and clear, everywhere. To the left of me, to the right of me, and sometimes as I drove, it seemed as if they were right in the middle of the road. 

To say I felt very small and insignificant was an understatement. When I gazed upon them, I had no words. Majestic. Magnificent. Nope. Not good enough. No words came close to describing their overwhelming presence. At other times, they literally took my breath away. 

Mountains and Faith

As I thought about the mountains, I couldn't help but think about the scripture when Jesus told his disciples, "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." He literally said, if we have faith in God, we can say to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself into the sea" and if we don't waver in our hearts but we believe what we say will happen, He says it will be done for us. 

Looking at the vast, snow-covered beauties which surrounded me, I wouldn't dare ask Him to do such a thing. There was no need. It would be pure folly on my part.

Instead of moose, God gave me what I needed at this time. Humility, and a greater understanding of my place in the grand scheme of His plans and purposes.

When Fear Meets Faith

 

I've come to the conclusion that I'm not selfish, spoiled, or wrong for going on a well-planned, much-needed personal retreat to Anchorage, Alaska. After all, I worked a second gig at school and put money aside for this. In addition, my husband was all for it, and I am a human in dire need of some time alone to think straight and regroup so I can come back to my family, a much better person than when I left. 

So far on this trip, I'm learning that my body has limitations in which I need to make boundaries. I need food, sleep, exercise, and contact with friends and family in order to function well, especially when traveling with myself. Yes, I planned a personal retreat for just me and the Lord, but I realized even Jesus needed his friends when he was out of His comfort zone and feeling afraid.

I've learned my body needs a consistent diet of sleep, healthy food (with occasional unhealthy food for fun), and exercise. Period. I won't go into the details of how sick I felt after traveling 17 hours in airplanes and waiting for airplanes but let's just say I now have greater convictions for saying "no" to how much travel I can do in one day and how much time I can listen to someone talk about themselves on an airplane without getting some shuteye.

Yes, if you want to travel to unchartered territories so you can experience the breathtaking views of\ God's creations and unique and unusual interactions with others it will require great faith in the midst of sometimes great anxiety. At least for me, anyway.  After the initial fear subsides and the exhilaration and subsequent rejuvenation are experienced, it is well worth it in the end.

Toads in Springtime

Oh, how I love the sound of the toads in springtime! Their high-pitched call which makes their vocal sac blow up like a balloon comes from the male toads as they try to attract a mate. This cacophony goes on for several days and nights and beckons me to stop what I'm doing, put on my flip flops, leash the family pug, drive down to the reserve by the little pond, and follow the sounds which take me along the path, by the water amongst the reeds.

Oh, what a sight to see! Toads, doing what their maker compels them to do; that is reproduce. It is their purpose for the season. Brazen, with no shame. Two, three, four; all fighting for the same mate. Amazing. Unmoved by the dog and her human who are inches away from them. It's as if they are stupefied into a trance with one sole idea on their minds. I'm smitten by their reckless attitudes. 

If only I were so single-focused and unrestrained as to not be bothered by the intruders who can so easily rain down on the joy I have as I begin my day, after having my quiet time and morning jog, leaving me bewildered, with my feathers ruffled, by day's end.

Alas, back to the toads; how they fascinate me. As I begin my much-needed spring break from a very long school year, I plan to look more to nature to ground myself as one who is created, looking to the creator for my peace and my purpose for this season of life.

Coconuts and Carnations

My son's girlfriend, Cailyn, surprised me today with some white petite carnations and a coconut! I was completely surprised and so encouraged. You see, it was a gloomy day today, rainy and cold. I've been discouraged lately at work, and I was struggling with thoughts of an unknown future.

So when Caitlyn surprised me with her very special gifts, it was like a breath of fresh air and we made a party of it! I cut the flowers down and put them in a gravy pitcher (I got rid of all of our vases because I told my husband I don't like cut flowers so he no longer buys them for me).

I googled how to open a coconut (break it open with a hammer and carefully carve out the flesh with a knife). Mine was scored so I simply put it in a dishtowel and hammered it along the scoreline. When it split open, I poured out the liquid into the sink. (Next time I'll have to try drinking it-I hear it's good). Then I peeled the coconut from the shell, piece by piece, with a knife. It was delicious!

I'm so grateful for Cailyn's thoughtfulness. And coconuts. It helps me remember how much God cares
about us.