Snapshots with Kathy

Mount Vesuvius, Mount St. Helens, Mauna Loa, Krakatoa, Eyjafjallajokull. What do they have in common? They are all fairly well known volcanoes. By definition a volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust that allows molten rock, gases, and debris to escape to the surface. A volcano is basically a mountain with a seething attitude deep inside that can or will erupt at any given moment. The fact that it looks benign or calm has nothing to do with what is churning around in its deep belly.

There are currently about 1500 active volcanoes on our planet and 169 potentially active in the U.S.  Davis Johnston was a 30-year old volcanologist who was encamped and studying Mount St. Helens in Washington in 1980. Moments before his position was hit by a massive deadly blast and flow, Johnston radioed his famous last words: “Vancouver! Vancouver! This is it!” Johnston’s body was never found. The pressure had been building for years and finally erupted. Davis Johnston was in its direct path. Wouldn’t it be awful if people were like volcanoes? Oh wait. Very often we are. We often learn from childhood how to do and say the appropriate things to be accepted, praised and even loved. We learn to squelch the ‘ugly’ thoughts and feelings in favor of playing nice. As adults we learn to show our best face at work, church, with friends and sometimes with family. We are a lovely part of the landscape of creation…until we blow.

Continuing on…

I know that this topic is way beyond a little snapshot post. Many of us have been wounded by abuse, neglect, rejection and abandonment. These are deep wounds that often are not dealt with, which means that they still hold the power to explode (or implode) our world. My desire in writing this snapshot is that you would be willing to take a bit of an inventory of your heart and mind. Are there landmines that have never been defused?  For the sake of your own health and happiness, as well as the love of others, take care of the molten anger or unforgiveness that can destroy you. You may be able to suppress and swallow it for a while, but like a great volcano it could one day erupt and destroy everyone in its shadow…including you.

God is always available and desires your wholeness. There are therapists, counselors, pastors and even friends who can offer a gracious ear as well as a path to freedom. Volcanoes are very destructive and unpredictable. Opt for peace today. Opt for a foundation that won’t give way or erupt on those you love. Now is a really good time to begin that journey. Just do it.

Further reading:

Isaiah 28:12     God has told his people, “Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here. This is a place of quiet rest.” But they would not listen.

Psalm 116:7 Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me.

Matthew 11:28-29    Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Isaiah 26:3    You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Psalm 4:8    In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.

Galatians 5:22-23      But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.

Philippians 4:7    Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.