Alaska's Liquid Sunshine

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. (Philippians 2:14-15 ESV). A few years ago I was part of a group of men that went on mission to Alaska. We were part of a larger effort to build a church and parsonage in Kipnuk. This small town is located on the western coast of Alaska, where the terrain is tundra. The only way to get there was by small plane or boat. We flew into Anchorage and then traveled by van to Soldotna where we boarded the bush-plane for the final leg of our journey. The trip through the Kenai Peninsula was as spectacular as any of the pictures you have seen of the area. However, when we flew over the mountains into Kipnuk, the scenery was quite different! The grandiose scenery filled with sunshine gave way to the flat expanse of tundra and a drizzly, cold sky. There was a reason why we were told to come with rain gear and muck boots. It was raining, pouring or drizzling the entire time we were there. Where were the sun-filled, picture-perfect panoramic views I anticipated? One of the guides back in Soldotna laughed when he heard my experience. He said that the most sunshine he had ever seen in his entire life in Alaska lasted about a week. "Didn't you know that we're famous for our 'liquid sunshine'?" he asked, rather matter-of-factly. Another person told me that he loved rainy weather and was shocked when I mentioned that where I came from most of the weather was sunny and warm. I have also been told that many of Alaska's people are either "liquid" - "Get out of my way" kind of people, or "sunshine" -"Can I be of any help", genuine, back-breaking well-wishers. Most of the folks we worked with were the “sunshine” Alaskans, though I did run into some who were not when we went shopping a time or two for extra groceries. But, then I realized that its really no difference anywhere. No wonder the Apostle Paul encourages us to “shine” in this crooked world. The Bible encourages us to set aside our ice-cold "liquid" attitude and to always be "sunshine". Advertisements can be deceiving, but our attitude should always be right. We should always reflect the One we are following! By the way, despite the constant rain, I loved every minute of our time in Alaska. This state, with its wildernesses, rainforests and glaciers, is really out of this world. I hope to go back and work there again soon. Although I must confess there are some of the native foods I won’t be trying the next time around. Salmon berries and whale blubber is not my idea of dessert! Determine to be a “sunshine” person in your walk through your world, regardless of the weather!