Hearing The Glacier Move
PILOTING IN ALASKA
On March 2, 2021, with a clear blue sky and crisp 18-degree weather, I embarked on an experience that would fill my adventure tank. Nestled in the pilot's seat of a Super Cub bush plane equipped with 35-inch balloon tires, I felt the thrilling embrace of the stick controls in my hand as I left the snow-piled runway and began flying over Alaska's majestic winter scape. Lower George Lake was frozen below me. My destination was a place most only dream of visiting—the mighty Knik Glacier in the dead of winter without one other person for miles around. My heart was beating with anticipation. I experienced pure fun (as seen in this 13-second video) when I landed on the frozen lake against the glacier wall.
Stepping out of the plane, I was miles from the nearest soul, enveloped by profound silence. Every step I took towards the glacier was a step into a world few have the privilege to explore.
GLACIERS TALK
As I stood silently, taking in the visual wonder, my ears tuned to the unfamiliar quiet. And then, it happened—a sound reached my ears, so unique I could only liken it to a muted thud on a grand piano's bass string. That sound was the actual movement of the glacier.
This phenomenon occurs as the massive ice structure slowly creeps downhill under its own weight. The ice deforms and fractures, grinding over the bedrock below. This movement creates various sounds, ranging from creaks and groans to sharp cracks. The deep, resonating thud I heard was the sound of ice deep within the glacier shifting, a musical note played by the ice. In this short video, you can listen to the glacier move at 6 and 9 seconds.
In those fleeting moments, as I had the privilege of hearing a glacier move, I realized something deep in my heart. That sound, that unique thud—it wasn't just the ice. It was a reminder, a nudge, telling me that I would have never heard that beautiful sound if I hadn't put myself in a place where I was quiet enough to listen. Isn't that true for our relationship with God, too?
GOD ON MUTE
Are you bored with your faith? Feel like God's on mute? Trust me; I've been there. But take it from me, and these wise words from some folks who know a thing or two:
“Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”
“All my worst moments…are when I’m in a hurry. Love, joy, and peace…are incompatible with hurry… The average smartphone user touches his or her phone 2,617 times a day. By way of contrast, the psalmist said, “I have set the LORD always before me” Psalm 16:8. What would my life be like if God touched my mind as frequently as I touch my phone?”
“To walk with Jesus is to walk with a slow, unhurried pace. Hurry is the death of prayer and only impedes and spoils our work. It never advances it.”
So, what do you say? Ready to take a break from the hustle? Pause the thumb-swiping dopamine rush, turn off the noise, and find your 'glacier moment.' Let's stand still at the glacier's edge, breathe, watch, and listen together. I believe you'll hear God's sound in your life again!
©2023 Greg McNichols, All rights reserved.
