Imagine residing near an active volcano. Apparently, more people do it than we imagine. Mt. Kilauea is America’s most active volcano. It has been putting on a spectacular display for months, erupting with brilliant flourishes. You can view the eruption live on YouTube/twopineapples. It is most impressive at night. Dorothy and I once took a close-up helicopter ride over this volcano after a major eruption had subsided. We saw the lava slowly oozing into the ocean. We felt the heat and saw the molten red cracks in the grayish lava. When we were first married, I promised to take her to Hawaii for our 25th wedding anniversary. That was such a long way off I thought she might forget. Instead, she opened an Hawaii savings account at the bank and made occasional contributions into it. (All of this is on my mind as we are celebrating our 55th anniversary this week.)
When we arrived at our 24th anniversary, Dorothy had not forgotten my promise of Hawaii. I mentioned the Hawaii account, and how it ought to amount to something by now. It did–the balance stood at $250.00. Apparently, “we had things come up.” Only with the miracle of God’s provision were we able to head to Hawaii on schedule. It was amazing that Dorothy agreed to fly in the helicopter in the first place, much less over an active volcano. Living around a volcano can be hazardous. The ocean erupts into giant cauldrons of steam as lava flows into it. We could see the smoldering remains of homes, businesses, old vehicles and telephone poles. A jungle was overtaking once peaceful neighborhoods. Yet, a few minutes later we flew over fancy hotels and the busy inner city of Hilo. People were shopping, working or dealing with tourists like us.
Living on the side of an active volcano seems risky to me, but then, to those who live in Hawaii, living in the middle of Oklahoma’s Tornado Alley might seem dangerous too. It becomes a matter of perspective. There’s the view on the ground, from above, from a distance, or virtually. Faith is a way of living that sees through the lens of Jesus and His love. It can be more awesome than seeing a volcano.
Keep healthy. Pray mightily. Enjoy your life today. See Jesus. And let’s experience the love and power of God together.
Share this webpage:
