Just Passing Through

As a realtor in Alaska I have noticed a common theme in our state that sets us apart from all the states in the lower 48—Alaska is very transient. The long, dark winters do not help with the imminent loneliness created by the isolation of living so far away from family and friends. Loneliness ultimately leads many newcomer’s to a short-lived Alaskan experience.

Although considered a friendly state, when it comes to establishing deep relationships, Alaska can prove to be a challenge. The old timer’s whom I speak with admit that they are hesitant to get to know a person until they know if the person is or isn’t going to “stick.” The process of “sticking,” I have learned, is a test of longevity. Alaskan’s can be a tough crowd to crack when wanting to grow a potential friendship. Unless you’re not in a big hurry.

In pondering this unique dynamic I have slowly landed on my own conclusion of how I should relate to fellow Alaskan’s and to people in general—even if my window of relationship is weeks or months instead of years and decades. My conclusion rests on scripture.

If ever there was an example in the Word of God of a man who was keenly aware of his earthly transiency, it was Jesus: “Jesus replied, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20).” Jesus did not come to the world to build a mansion or to set up camp in one place. He left a mansion to come to earth. Jesus cared more about the state of one’s heart than the geography of one’s residence. 

Even though Jesus passed from one region through to the next region, and so on— He was never in so great a hurry that He forgot what His real purpose was: relationships. Reaching the lost. People mattered to Him. Whomever was in front of Him mattered. Crowds. Individuals. Children. Short. Fat. Blind. Tattered. Unkempt. He didn’t view anyone as unworthy of His time nor did He withhold His love from anyone.   

Jesus' short time on earth was lived boldly and humbly for each one of us. Our time on earth is short too. The notion that a person must earn his or her way into our lives is ridiculous when considering the life Jesus modeled. 

However, Jesus also taught us balance. 

In order to pour out of Himself to individuals and crowds, Jesus protected His sacred alone time with His Father: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35).

Even when the crowds sought Jesus in his solitary places of prayer, His compassion was always tempered with His divine purpose, “The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” And he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea” (Luke 4:42-44).

The truth about living in Alaska, or about living anywhere on earth, is that we are all just passing through. This world is not our home. We are sojourners in a foreign land. 

But while we ARE here we can make every opportunity count like our Savior did. We can emerge from our solitary places of prayer equipped to see, care and love the person in front of us. Even if he or she doesn’t “stick.”

Stay the Course…

Sheila