The Alaskan Way

According to National Park Service statistics, the number of tourists visiting Alaska has nearly doubled in the last fifteen years, with the state hosting more than two million people during the 2015 season. Once termed “Seward’s Folly” and “Seward’s Icebox,” for Secretary of State William Seward who coordinated its purchase from the Russians, Alaska is now one of Park Service’s most popular destinations.

At more than 650,000 square miles, Alaska is more than twice the size of Texas. However, it remains a remote and wild land. With few roads, residents depend on alternate transportation to reach their destination: boats, trains, planes (over 70% of Alaskans hold a pilot’s license), snow machines, and dog sleds.

Because the majority of the population lives in isolated communities, residents have learned to depend on their neighbors (often miles away) for assistance. Dependence doesn’t come easily. Americans are generally strong and independent people, something we celebrate every July 4th. But we in the “Lower 48” could learn from the Alaskans.
Society would have us believe that relying on others is a bad thing. That no matter what, we should “pull up our bootstraps” and carry on. This philosophy also causes us to run ahead of God and try numerous solutions of our own long before we turn to the Father for help. We’re sure we know the better way. Or worse, we don’t want to “bother” God with our petty problems. Those of you who are parents, best understand that you would do anything for your children, regardless of the size of the issue. We need to remember our Heavenly Father feels the same way.
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Are you mired in a situation you’ve been trying to solve your way? Do you have a decision to make you’ve been reluctant to share with God? Call on Him today. He’ll be thrilled to support and guide you.

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 NASB)

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Linda Shenton Matchett

With a BA in Psychology and Masters in Human Resource Management, Linda Matchett has had a wide and varied career as a crisis counselor, HR generalist, B&B owner and youth center director. She is currently the Front of House, Snackbar & Catering Manager at Brewster Academy. A journalist and blogger, she has written for numerous online and print publications. An author of Christian contemporary and historical fiction, Linda is also a a motivational speaker. Available topics include Life on the (WWII) Home Front, Wartime Baking, Women in the (WWII) Workforce, The Writer’s Life, God in the Workplace, The Proverbs 31 Gal: The Woman We Love to Hate, and Ruth: Lessons from a Foreigner. Linda is a member of First Baptist Church Wolfeboro where she sings in the choir and serves as Church Treasurer and a member of the Fellowship Team.