By Nick Dalgety
Family time in Melbourne:
Melbourne. One of the great cities of the world. For Kiwis, it’s on our backdoor step. We literally landed at Melbourne Airport about three hours ago.
Special time with family. Much needed in these testing days.
I took this short video clip as we entered the city. It gives some sense of how frenetic life can be. When all around us seems out of control, we can seek out The One who can bring real peace.
Though the mountains shake:
There is a Psalm I love that captures this reality. I was reading it while out in the suburb of Prahran the following morning; soon to meet our daughter.
Psalm 46. Initially, we read:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. [PSALM 46:1-3]
God is my refuge. Clearly stated up front. We can know deep in our spirit that there is a Rock, a Safe Place, a Strong Tower. For in a moment The Storm can come, destroying all that Man holds dear.
The Inangahua Earthquake of ’68:
I remember a massive earthquake in 1968 centered in a small West Coast town of Inangahua1.
In the summer following as a 10 year old, we drove down with family from Wellington to our grandparents place in Greymouth on the West Coast. I was in awe. Seeing the raw power of nature on show as we passed through the Buller Gorge:
Be still and know that I am God:
We then go on to read in this Psalm:
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! [PSALM 46:10]
Be still. Even now. Trust Him. For He will never…. let us down.
1 Landslide on the southern side of the Buller River caused by the Inangahua earthquake 1968. Simon Nathan Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library.
About the Author
Nick Dalgety is a Kiwi born in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. In recent times my wife and I have made Nelson in the top of the South Island home.
My day job involves working with people making a living from land and sea. In my spare time my passion is taking pictures that celebrate what is iconic about Aotearoa New Zealand. Inevitably this involves discovering amazing people, in their special place making and doing what they do best.
When travelling overseas, I often seek out similar experiences. I created Provenance101 to share these experiences.
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