Travel

feeling small

In reflecting on this past year with my family, I chose the word “humbled” to summarize all that has happened in me in 2019. And mind you, humbled is much different than humble.

I hadn’t realized just how tiny my view of God was. I wasn’t aware that I have been harboring a disbelief in God’s ability (and moreover, his desire) to save the world. Why did he make two trees in the garden, if he knew he would have to come back as the hero to rescue everyone? Why does he let pain persist for so long? Like many others I am sure, I have had these questions for years and never dared to ask them. We don’t talk about doubt amongst church people very much, but I have doubted to the point of frustration and anger. When hurt and hatred and suffering in the world seem insurmountable, it’s hard to see God as good and powerful.

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In the moments after avoiding and questioning God, he has sung so sweetly to me. Sometimes it's only a whispered song. "I am waiting for you. I’m here when you’re ready to talk. I never left. I am able to hold judgment and mercy equally and perfectly. When your heart breaks for the world, mine breaks even more. You may not get me completely, but you have to trust me." Moses' request to see God's glory in Exodus 33 truly resonates with me.

"'Please show me your ways that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight.' . . . And he [the Lord] said, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The Lord.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. But,' he said, 'you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.' And the Lord said, 'Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by.'"

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All I have to say to you is this: God is real. And I don’t like everything he chooses to do, but he is good. When I traveled to see the other side of the United States and the world, he was there with his people, and he was in control. He showed up in ways that my mind could not comprehend, providing shelter and protection and comfort and salvation and love for people all over the world.

So in commemoration of the lessons God has been teaching me in 2019, here is a random collection of travel photos with people being small.

Year in Review | Travel Edition

One month is already in the books for 2018; meanwhile, I'm still chipping away at Operation Portfolio. Don't mind me, I'll finish by December. Flipping through my travel images from the past year, I was drawn to the interaction between people and plants. Our relationship has been intertwined from the very beginning--cultivation, sustenance, responsibility... It's intriguing and sometimes scary to watch the interactions develop (Hurricane Harvey, et al.). Here's to appreciating the earth's beauty and taking care of her. 

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More travel images here