"It's okay, I'm right behind you"

Something that appeals to all of us are the escapades of fictional adventures like “Raiders of the lost Ark”… but even better are those stories about real life adventures.  I have often found myself in awe of the courage that it takes to venture out to distant places.  I was convinced it requires a special kind of person to brave the unknowns of exploration … at least until recently, when I found myself [who is not particularly daring] stepping out of a small plane that just landed on a strip of beach during low tide in a remote portion of Alaska.  You may be wondering how I ended up in Alaska?

As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow You wherever You go.” Luke 9

“Following” is the short answer.  Someone once devised the phrase “CoinciGod” instead of the word coincidence.  In my life I have found the workings of God are often surprising, but also better than anything I could have conceived on my own. If you have been reading my past blogs you have been able to piece together that I enjoy photography along with the opportunity to share the loving character of God in the beauty of His creation.  In May of this year, I was chosen to be one of 24 people from around the world accepted into a year long mentorship program with an incredible world renown wildlife photographer named Tin Man Lee.  This privilege still has me humbled as I am learning so much about photography along side a great group of talented photographers.  In addition, I was asked to be one of five people to accompany Tin Man Lee on his adventure to a remote portion of Alaska in search of bears to photograph.

You [God] see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. Psalm 139

As I traveled to Alaska I encountered all the elements that make up a great adventure.  The welcoming warmth of sunshine soon gave way to the winds as they built in their intensity.  Even the trees began to announce that a change was quickly approaching.  The sky became draped with looming clouds, all while adding the scent of rain to the air.  What started as a refreshing sprinkle eventually buckled under the weight of the clouds from heaven touching the earth as the rains finally arrived [actually, somewhere between 12-14 inches of rain in less than 48 hours].  This continuous change added mystery and drama for each interaction with the wildlife that calls Alaska home.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord.  “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29

So often we have the misconception [or desire] that if God is leading us somewhere, everything will be easy, but time has proven that life doesn’t work that way.  It is my personal perspective that my journey with Jesus is more like boot camp.  The purpose is to prepare and strengthen me for the difficult battles and challenges of life we all will face at one time or another.  More importantly, I find that boot camp is not only for self-conditioning but it also equips me to to be able to help those in need around me.  My time in Alaska had moments that definitely enhanced that boot camp feel.  The five of us who were invited on this quest, were informed that we needed to be able to hike a mile each day.  I am laughing as I type this, because that mile turned into four and sometimes even five miles each day. Full disclosure, there were times while hiking with my camera equipment, when I found myself huffing and puffing as I surged forward [yep, boot camp]. Regardless, I was determined to not wimp out during this adventure, being fully confident that the best was yet to come, knowing each step I took brought me closer to the end reward.

God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect. Psalm 18

This was the first time I went on a photography trip without my husband, and although I missed him and called to share with him all about each outing, there was something so special about the presence of God in this place.  Maybe, it was being away from the chaos and noise that often drowns out the gentle whispers of God as He longs to communicate with me.  Ultimately, as I stood in the center of a meadow that first day, I felt wrapped in the loving arms of God’s beautiful creation, and I was once again renewed through the depth of His love.  I hope as you read this, you don’t dismiss what I just stated too quickly because it is true that God as a loving Father longs for each of us to experience His personal presence and love wherever we are.

How precious is your unfailing love, O God!  All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36

In my adventure I crossed paths with bears in the meadows, amongst the wild flowers, near the forrest, along the river and many creeks.  However, by far my favorite encounters occurred on the mudflats as the tide retreating into the bay filled the air with the enticing aroma of  treasure.  Following their keen sense of smell the bears left the meadows to venture out onto these mudflats in search of the clams buried deep beneath the sand.  We too followed along, also being lured out onto the flats.  Even though these bear are big and heavy, they walked out onto the flats with ease, but by contrast, we needed to step carefully to avoid the soft spots where one could quickly sink into the sand.  We usually had to walk a great distance out to the tide line.  Nevertheless, I found the effort was worth the prize of having a ringside seat for watching the bears sniff out, dig up, pop open the clam shells, to enjoy their tasty treats.

You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. Psalm 119

When I said that I had a ring side seat, that was to say I literally sat down onto the watery mudflats myself for a better photo angle.  It was there that I realized I was in one of the few places in the world were I could intermingle with a wild animal in their natural habitat in such an intimate way.  Similarly it was on one of these occasions on the mudflats that I was reminded once again of the nearness of God in a very special way.  Undisturbed by my presence a bear in search of clams was making her way straight towards me.  Mesmerized by her calmness as she approached, I was surprised that I was not overcome with fear.  I remained partially submerged in the sand  while I momentarily found myself lost in the details of her beauty.  When she was literally a few feet away from me, I heard the gentle quiet voice of our bear guide, Adam, say to me; “It’s okay, I’m right behind you.”  In that brief instant as time stood still, it was as if God Himself was assuring me of His continual close presence.

But as for me, how good it is to be near God!  I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do. Psalm 73

That was it … a God moment, in those six little words, I too found my own treasure out on the mudflats — a truth I will keep close to my heart wherever my journey through life directs me.  On that fleeting occasion I understood, that no matter what may be approaching me, even the storms we all face, the only thoughts I should focus on are the words from God reminding me that; “It’s okay, I’m right behind you.”  What about you?  Do you need to be reminded about the nearness of God also?  God is near because He loves you.  Are you willing to follow where Jesus will lead you?

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.  Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8