Tuesday, May 18, 2010
30th Anniversary of Mt. Saint Helens Eruption
It's difficult to believe, but for many of my generation who grew up in the Pacific Northwest, the eruption of Mt. Saint Helens serves as a marker in our childhood. Most of us have clear memories of where we were and what we were doing at the time. As young children, we may not have understood exactly what happened that morning in 1980, nor did we have a clue of the magnitude of the event, or the breadth of its reach. It was big news in our town, but it was inconceivable that other towns knew what was going on. Little did we know that this was a genuine "world event".
In my neighborhood in Oregon, the sky grew dark and the ash fell like snow. I remember being cautioned to remain indoors and not to inhale any of the ash. Despite being ordered by my parents to stay inside, I remember looking outdoors and seeing cars with their headlamps on, wipers swaying back and forth, etc. The appearance of morning almost suddenly appeared as dusk. It was such an odd experience, you just had to sit back and take it in. As I grew older, I learned more about the people who died, the impact on the animal and plant kingdoms, homes, bridges and railways that were lost that day. Such an awesome, yet devastating force. I pray that those lost souls knew Jesus.
Although the volcano has remained active to some degree through mid-2008, there hasn't been anything like the "big one" in 1980. The landscape is still scarred. There is no mistaking the heritage of this volatile mountain. However, signs of life began to re-emerge in the years following the carnage and life has continued to eclipse death with each passing decade.
If God can bring life back to a devastated monolithic rock, how much more is He willing to rebuild our lives, if we allow Him access? We're infinitely more valuable to Him, so no matter the level of damage, God is up to the task!
Isaiah 61:3 (New International Version)
"and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
Good Night
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