Seeking God

My Life through the Years

(Part No. 8)

Age 25

In our last installment, I detailed my visit to Chicago, Illinois, and we were beginning to drive north to the next state on my itinerary, Wisconsin. You might remember the state as the home of Milwaukee (perhaps the state and the next (Minneapolis) was populated by Germans or Scandinavians. As usual, I also drove west and stopped at the capital (Madison), a very liberal city with a liberal university. The state is also known as the “Dairy State” because of the milk production in the south.

Across the border, I came to Minnesota and the capital, Minneapolis as well as the next city, Saint Paul. This is a large, wooded state with dairies, and is known as “the land of 10,000 lakes.” Of course, we also know the state as not only politically liberal but it also is the home of many Lutherans. What went through my mind as I drove mile after mile through the countryside and the towns?

This was now considered the “central” part of the country, the “breadbasket” of America. In Iowa, we might think of Des Moines, and in Nebraska I visited the well-known Lincoln. In this city, I stopped at the headquarters for “Back to the Bible” broadcast, begun years earlier by Theodore Epp. Toward the north, I came to what is called the “Badlands,” I suppose because one can “disappear” in the area to avoid capture. Nearby, I visited “Wind Cave National Park” and viewed the area in Wyoming known as “Custer’s Last Stand”—the place were General Custer met defeat by the Indian, “Sitting Bull.” Toward the north, I came to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, otherwise known as “Teddy Roosevelt’s” Rough Riders. William Cody also had his ranch in the western part of the state.

As I would drive from state to state, I encountered many educational opportunities. In the Black Hills of South Dakota, at Mount Rushmore, you might remember the huge figures of George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson—all chiseled into the face of the mountain. People may seek to memorialize these American figures, but Jesus Christ needs no earthly memorial since He lives in the hearts of many people!

As I would drive through these locations, I would generally park in a relatively “safe” place at night. One night, in the dark, I thought I had found a good place to park and sleep. I recall awaking in the morning in the midst of a buffalo sanctuary, and can you guess what was outside? Right outside my window was a huge bison peering in at me! These were the experiences of driving in unfamiliar places. I have to think of the sub-zero weather that would be there in a month or two. I must say that in these deserted areas, the scenes were awesome. God’s handiwork was readily seen in the sky above! I must think of the words of the psalmist, “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1).

The next state I entered is known as the “Big Sky State.” This is the fourth largest state, with some 145,000 square miles. One can drive and drive through the state, viewing the mountainous landscape and the acres of cattle-ranching. Before driving north to the capital, Helena, I drove south into Yellowstone National Park. Many of you have visited this rare location with the high mountains, the meandering “Yellowstone” stream, and the many animals. There one can find grizzly bear, elk, moose, and other wildlife that display our Creator’s abilities. This was a good time of the year. The temperature was becoming cold and the heat of summer had passed. Of course, I visited the famous geyser that periodically erupts to the cheers of the waiting crowds. At night, of course, one may see our Creator’s works in the heavens. I must not fail to mention Grand Teton National Park to the south! What amazing beauty!

This area was part of the renowned, “Rocky Mountains” thus wherever one looked, he could see the creative hand of the Lord displayed. It was worth the trip just for this, but, of course, I wanted to see God’s work in my journeys.

In our next installment (Part 9), we will cover our travels to the north and west.