This will be random at best. But I have to believe that the best things in life are neither planned nor expected, but random. They are free from our expectations, hopes, and other constraints. This will be random.
First things first. I would like to thank Mr. Moose. I just got back from my first trip as a leader in Alaska. The fact that I am neither from Alaska nor that I have spent much time here makes it difficult to establish credibility with guests. I am their Alaska guide for a week. You look for any way to establish your credibility and expertise. Twenty minutes into the trip I was sinking. The guests had already discovered that this was my first season and that I had not been in Alaska for very long. I was worried.
And then he appeared. The other van ahead of us did not notice him. No one in my van noticed him either. But I did. Mr. Moose was standing in a meadow off the side of the road. He was posing like we were shooting a Moose calendar and he wanted December. His rack was nice (I'm talking about his antlers. Please control yourself).
I pointed him out. Everyone was impressed with the moose and with me. In Alaska you cannot guarantee that guests will see wildlife. Bears, moose, otters, and whales do their own thing. We just hope to catch a glimpse. A Bull moose is particularly infrequent. We wouldn't see another one for the rest of the trip. It was a good trip and I am thankful for Mr. Moose.
Today is the 4th of July. I don't love the 4th of July. I don't really know why. It's usually a letdown for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not un-patriotic, but I am probably closer to idiotic than patriotic.
I appreciate the freedom we experience. I'm grateful for those who fought and fight for that freedom. I really am. But some times I wonder if patriotism is dangerous for the Christian. At the end of eternity, we are citizens of the Kingdom and allegiance to Him is the only thing that matters. I also have to wonder if there is a correlation between the decline of the Church in the states and the unparalleled "freedom" we experience. It is places like Africa and Asia where the church is growing in size and effectiveness. It is in these places where there is not freedom from oppression, where health and happiness is not guaranteed, that the church grows.
These are just my ramblings. Again, I am grateful to be living in America. I don't want to be cynical or rain on any one's BBQ and parade. But I sometimes wonder if I am like the dog at the dog race chasing the fake rabbit thinking it is what is real and necessary.
I will be watching fireworks tonight. In Alaska, where the sun sets at 11:30pm, we will be watching them at midnight (dusk).
In September I go home. No, not Orange County or LA. I'm going to Yosemite to lead trips for four weeks. Yosemite is home for a lot of reasons. It is where my family went on vacation when I was a kid. It was where I went in High School when I needed to get away. It is where I first believed. It is where I go to remember. It's home and I'm excited.
Grace and Peace.
First things first. I would like to thank Mr. Moose. I just got back from my first trip as a leader in Alaska. The fact that I am neither from Alaska nor that I have spent much time here makes it difficult to establish credibility with guests. I am their Alaska guide for a week. You look for any way to establish your credibility and expertise. Twenty minutes into the trip I was sinking. The guests had already discovered that this was my first season and that I had not been in Alaska for very long. I was worried.
And then he appeared. The other van ahead of us did not notice him. No one in my van noticed him either. But I did. Mr. Moose was standing in a meadow off the side of the road. He was posing like we were shooting a Moose calendar and he wanted December. His rack was nice (I'm talking about his antlers. Please control yourself).
I pointed him out. Everyone was impressed with the moose and with me. In Alaska you cannot guarantee that guests will see wildlife. Bears, moose, otters, and whales do their own thing. We just hope to catch a glimpse. A Bull moose is particularly infrequent. We wouldn't see another one for the rest of the trip. It was a good trip and I am thankful for Mr. Moose.
Today is the 4th of July. I don't love the 4th of July. I don't really know why. It's usually a letdown for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not un-patriotic, but I am probably closer to idiotic than patriotic.
I appreciate the freedom we experience. I'm grateful for those who fought and fight for that freedom. I really am. But some times I wonder if patriotism is dangerous for the Christian. At the end of eternity, we are citizens of the Kingdom and allegiance to Him is the only thing that matters. I also have to wonder if there is a correlation between the decline of the Church in the states and the unparalleled "freedom" we experience. It is places like Africa and Asia where the church is growing in size and effectiveness. It is in these places where there is not freedom from oppression, where health and happiness is not guaranteed, that the church grows.
These are just my ramblings. Again, I am grateful to be living in America. I don't want to be cynical or rain on any one's BBQ and parade. But I sometimes wonder if I am like the dog at the dog race chasing the fake rabbit thinking it is what is real and necessary.
I will be watching fireworks tonight. In Alaska, where the sun sets at 11:30pm, we will be watching them at midnight (dusk).
In September I go home. No, not Orange County or LA. I'm going to Yosemite to lead trips for four weeks. Yosemite is home for a lot of reasons. It is where my family went on vacation when I was a kid. It was where I went in High School when I needed to get away. It is where I first believed. It is where I go to remember. It's home and I'm excited.
Grace and Peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment