Reflections

You have a beautiful place here in Wrangell, in SE Alaska, right in the midst of God’s wonderful creation. I write this as a visiting pastor invited to minister to the Island of Faith Lutheran Church. The beauty of this part of God’s world is truly astounding.

I am reminded again and again of Psalm 104 as I greet most mornings viewing snow-capped mountains arising out of the sea, settle in later watching the sun dance on the waters of the Stikine, or see the sun light up both the sky and ocean near the islands of Woronkofski and Zarembo. While fishing or hiking along the Tongass Forest trails, one can hardly conclude otherwise than “O Lord, how manifold are your works. In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping (and swimming) things innumerable are there, living things both great and small.” (Ps. 104 24-25)

But, you know that the beauty of the earth is not all there is to this or any community. There’s pain, illness, tragedy, crime, hopelessness, loneliness, death and despair as well. If we could just focus on life’s beauty, it would seem more joyful; but we would be blinded to the human struggles that we bring about or endure.

I believe people are put here in places like SE Alaska to both revel in the beauty and do what we can to overcome tragedies, disappointments and sin that are also very real. I will appreciate the gifts of friendships that I have experienced while here. I will treasure this place and the people I have encountered; and I invite you to do so in whatever ways God sets before you. Rejoice and be glad. But, also work and struggle to set right what’s wrong.

Pastor Martin Dreyer