Paulette and I have just returned from a dream vacation. We and two other couples toured Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks in a rented van. We have known the other two couples for over forty years, but have seen them only a few times in the intervening years, since they lived out west in Nebraska and South Dakota. When we started out together in the van, there was no awkwardness; it was if we had all seen each other just last week. Even more remarkable was the fact that after more than a week in a crowded van, we were even better friends than before. I think that two Lutherans, two Methodists and two Presbyterians, four of whom were mathematicians, got along so well is a testimony to the greater Church. We had a joyful time, and some of the sights caused us to break into song; if we could only have remembered more than the first verses. While the best part of the trip was being with old friends, the scenery was Awe Inspiring. Here are some of those wonders.
Old Faithful and Castle Geysers spouted high in the sky; their strong white streams contrasting with the gentle white clouds billowing above. Grand Prismatic Spring was a football field sized steaming pool displaying the most vibrant colors in all nature – blue, green, orange, yellow, tan and white. The Lamar Valley had an impressive herd of Bison that we estimated, using grid sample counts, to be around 1,500 in number; they were a reminder of the pre-settlement herds of 30,000 that had passed through the same valley. At Tower Falls the river flows through a grove of 150 foot tall stone towers before noisily falling 150 feet below. Finally, the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone at the end of a stretch of Yellowstone Canyon looked as though it was a painting; it was perfect without a single pine needle out of place.

People have always been awed by the wonders of Yellowstone; that is, many visitors have felt a sense of reverence and respect mixed with wonder. In fact, the early trappers were not believed when they described Yellowstone; they were accused of having had too much strong drink. Sometimes we get caught up in our own importance and forget about what God has done. In the story of Job, he is depicted as a good, faithful, God-fearing man, but God still chides him. In Job 38:4 he says, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” God chided me with Yellowstone. I was Awed; that is, I felt a sense of reverence and respect for God and His creation.  Read Job 38, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Jim

Grand Prismatic Spring

Today’s Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2038