After five days in gorgeous Alaska, we were finally at the Canadian border. The border guard at the White Pass was surprisingly pleasant, and only after a friendly chat did he ask the inevitable question: “Anything to declare?” As we were well below our allowance, we didn’t have to pay duty, and we were smiling as we set out towards the Yukon.

The same could not be said for the many stampeders who rushed to the Klondike during the Gold Rush at the end of the nineteenth century. After a gruelling hike through either the White or the Chilkoot Passes, they had to cross the Canadian border, then patrolled by the North West Mounted Police, in much the same way we did. The only difference lie in the question they were asked:

“Do you have a year’s worth of provisions with you?”

This year’s worth of provisions was known as an “outfit” and consisted of the clothing, groceries, and equipment they would need for a full 12 months. Oh, and let’s not forget the much-needed 5 yards of mosquito netting!

These provisions weighed over a ton and could not be carried in one trek over the pass, especially the Chilkoot Pass! Often men formed teams. One would stay at the top to guard the equipment that had come up in previous loads while the rest would slide back down, sometimes taking up to thirty round trips in order to get all of the gear to the top. The climb was gruelling and filled with danger-avalanches, exhaustion, frostbite and snow blindness, to name a few; and we mustn’t forget the “slide” back down the trail! It wasn’t nearly as smooth as the word makes it sound, if you know what I mean! In all, it could take up to three months for the men to get their “outfits” to the top. I sure hope they had accumulated enough vacation time from work!

It was only after this intriguing adventure that one could honestly answer the Mountie: “Yes, I do!”

That’s when the inevitable was asked, that question unchanged by time: “Where did you purchase these goods?”

“Well, I am from the US and my goods are from the US as well!”

“Great! Are you aware that you will have to pay duty for any goods purchased outside of Canada?”

“But…but…but…”

“Not to worry. You still have hundreds of miles to go before reaching the gold fields. The duty is worth the trek!”

Some things never change! This is true of God as well: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb 13:8 NIV)

God’s unfailing love is a constant. From the beginning He has provided for our salvation and our eternity: “I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.” (Ps 13:5 NIV); and “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NIV)

And all of this without having to pay duty! “To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.” (Rev 21:6 NIV) Is it any wonder the Psalmist (as well as the Newsboys) exclaimed: “Your love is better than life!” (Ps 63:3 NIV)?

P. S. “Do you have anything to declare?”

“Yes, I do. Jesus loves me (although I really am despicable) and He has provided me with this passport to heaven.”

“Pass. Free of charge!”

(I am writing this devotional from – you guess it – a border crossing! I have been waiting for nearly two hours to pass customs and enter New York State. I’m sure glad I don’t have any goods to declare!)

Rob Chaffart