Scenerio: I was working as a marine biologist doing research on fishing boats in Alaska
from fall ’05 – spring ’06
Standing alone, I wonder how life brought me to this point. In the middle of the ocean there is no one to talk to, no one to run to and no one to comfort me – except You. There is a passion that pulses through my veins that is not of me, that is not of this world. I have felt it for most of my life and as I grow older I am able to more freely express
the untamed beauty of this
passion.
Standing alone I am captivated by the beauty that is unfolding before my eyes. A magnificent low riding orange moon hovers over the horizon, tempting the ocean to leap up and touch it with its rolling waves. I hate to tear my eyes away, but right behind me a glorious sunset is drawing in colors from every spectrum, as if fighting for an audience with the enticing moon.
Gripping the railing of the boat I turn from one masterpiece to the other and a smile takes over my body from the inside out. Complete joy and peace radiate from the beauty before my eyes. I believe only a Creator who loves as deeply as You could create this work of art known as the world and use it to reveal Yourself to me and to others.
Sitting alone in my bunk I close my eyes and picture Your creation as chills run down my arm. I feel isolated from all the people that know me and all the people I love, but at the same time I feel so intimately wrapped up in You. Your world is displayed before me in all its raw beauty and I am stunned every single day. But, I long for a touch of someone who cares. Lord, I need a hug! I do not know who you can send to give me a hug, but Father, I need one please.
Leaving the boat and walking back into town alone, a smile invades my face as I think back to my ‘goodbyes’ from the crew. I can not get that one last second awkward hug from the captain out of my mind. Sure, it was a hug from a grease covered fishing boat captain, but to me it was a hug straight from the arms of God.
Walking back into town I am not alone, my God is all around me and He wants me to know and believe that simple promise. Life has brought me to this point because God has been right here with me the whole way leading and guiding my path. This passion I feel pulling me into the world is my LORD pulling me further into His arms every single day.
May our eyes and heart be open to the beauty, strength, passion and authority of God in the world.
