Chaplain's Message for AFSC: Extreme

  • Published
  • By Chaplain Joshua Wright
  • 72nd Air Base Wing

Matthew 5:45 reads, “Your Father causes the sun to rise on good people and on bad people. Your Father sends rain to those who do good and to those who do wrong.”

According to Merriam-Webster, the word EXTREME can mean the following:

- Existing in a very high degree
- Going to great or exaggerated lengths
- Exceeding the ordinary, usual, or expected

Within the world we live, we can see the extreme climate differences between the deserts and the rainforests.  Deserts, whether icy and cold, like those in the Antarctic or scorching hot, like the Lut Desert in Iran, which reported a record temp of 159.3 degrees Fahrenheit in 2005, present their own natural beauty amidst the dunes and rocks that occupy them. On average, these places receive less than 10 inches of rainfall a year.

In contrast, the various rainforests around the world receive on average, more than 75 inches of rain a year! Rainforest are known for being hot and humid, and home to some amazing wildlife.

While deserts and rainforest are extreme examples of the various climates our world has to offer, life itself can be extreme too. Some days are “desert” days and you feel sad, alone, and not a drop of happiness. Other days might feel like a “rainforest” day and the colors around you are more vibrate and you are showered with good things.

It is important to remember that no matter the kind of day you are having, you are not alone. You are valued by those around you. You are an essential part of the team. Most importantly, you are made in the image of God and loved by him.

Fun fact: There is a village in India called Mawsynram that has the record of being the wettest place in the world. It reportedly gets an average of more than 467 inches of rain every year!

Have a great weekend!