Light show

We are in the midst of experiencing a somewhat unusual light show here in the Pacific Northwest. After a very hot, dry day, we noticed some clouds starting to roll in not long before sunset. Looking south towards Mount Rainier and off towards the Cascades, the clouds began to light up with flashes of lightning, and thunder echoed through the area a few moments later. We do get thunderstorms, but they are usually short-lived and pass through quickly. This one seems to be sticking around longer than usual and giving us quite a show. That's why I'm writing this on a laptop that's running on battery—not the best idea to be on a computer or phone when there is a lot of electrical activity in the air!

While the lightning and thunder that we get here can  be rather spectacular because of the power that is being displayed, it does not compare to the thunderstorms that hit the Midwest of the United States with regularity. We were back in Missouri a number of years ago in the summer. On a hot, humid evening, the sky clouded up and lightning began to flash in the clouds. Before long, the entire sky was flickering with nearly constant lightning; you could not see individual flashes of lightning because there was so much activity. Not many strikes actually came down and hit the ground; most of the lightning was simply going back and forth within the clouds It was fascinating to watch (from a safe distance and inside), and was breath-taking. The raw, unbridled power that was displayed was truly awe-inspiring.

When I see something like that, I am reminded that the power and energy we see in nature is a mere shadow, a weak reflection of the awesome strength and power of God. It is incredible to realize that the God who created the universe and all that we see and do not see has reached out to us to invite us to have a relationship with us. He does not need anything from us, but he wants us to know his love and his offer of forgiveness.

As amazing and awe-inspiring as nature is, God is far more awe-inspiring, for he created it all. From the power of lightning to the beauty of the glaciers of Alaska, God made everything, and yet he knows my name and loves me. Recognizing that causes me to bow down and worship him.

If you have never experienced the love of God or come into a relationship with him, you can do so right now. Simply ask him; his offer of love and forgiveness is for everyone who will ask. You will not regret the decision.

June 29, 2008