Two days ago I was sitting on the cliffs above the rapids of Kiutaköngäs in Kuusamo. And I was looking and listening. All too often we are just looking at scenarios like this, looking and admiring, but we do not listen!

As I listened to the churning waters below me, they told me of themselves, of us human beings - and of Him, who created both the rapids and me...

I`ve been ill for a couple of days -  nothing serious, just a flu - but even a flu can be a reminder of one´s sooner or later upcoming departure from this world. Since this place is far from harmless, there are lots of things out there that could kill you, you know, all from chicken bones and malaria mosquitos to giant squids and man-eating tigers, one should perhaps make a list of things to look out for!

Way back when I was young Frank Sinatra had a word hit with his song "My Way".

I liked the song then, the lyrics spoke volumes of strength of will, independence, and "I don´t give a damn what people think or say" to my youthful and rebellious nature.

It still speaks to me, but in a different way now.

Nowadays it makes me think of Isaiah 53, where the mother of all sin is described.

I once heard a story of a preacherman who had visited a place, been there for a week for a series of revival meetings. When he was thanked at the end of the last meeting, he himself offered his thanks for having been chosen as speaker.

An elderly man rose to his feets and replied "Don´t let it get to your head, you were only fourth on the list of preachers we had thought of for this!"