Three things are obvious at the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. One, the eruption of the volcano wreaked destruction and devastation on the landscape. The scars are still apparent on the journey up the mountain.

Second, it is in the nature of Creation to heal and resurrect in response to death or destruction. The area is alive and continues to heal itself a mere thirty years after the 1980 eruption.

And, so, it was fitting that on my short hike in the area I should happen upon cocooning larvae and butterflies.

Finally, by observing nature — creation — it is clear that God continues to create. Our God is a creating God. Living is process. When we perceive it as a destination to be reached, we live in angst, anger, and tension. However, peace envelopes us when we acknowledge and accept that we are on a journey with each place we find ourselves merely temporary. We find peace in simply being and wandering.