I shared last week that ENan and I traveled to Utah. One of our favorite experiences was hiking the iconic “Narrows” trail in Zion National Park. The “Narrows” trail is actually a river bed that winds between giant cliffs. We were hesitant about doing the hike after hearing stories of wading chest-deep in water, potential flash floods and other hazards. But, on the encouragement of friends who survived the trail, we ventured on.
Because the water comes from natural springs and melting snow, the temperature can be rather chilly. We rented special socks and boots specially designed for the cold water, along with wide-bottomed poles that don’t get stuck in the rocky path. We were suited up in quick-drying clothes, sun-protectant hats and prayed-up nerves as we waded into the water.
Fortunately for us, the water level was low and the water temperature was in the 60s (cool, but not bone-chilling.) The river bed was filled with rocks that had been tumbled smooth by their descent from distant heights. Places in the river were indeed chest-deep while other places were only ankle-deep. We carefully navigated the rushing water and the uneven bottom as we made our way slowly but surely upstream.
Finally, ENan called out to me, “Stop! Look up! Look at the gorgeous cliffs with the plants clinging to the crevices. Look at the water seeping through the rocks and dripping into the stream.” We both realized that we had been so focused on the next step that we were missing the beauty all around us.
The application here seems clear. At times our lives may feel like we are navigating hazardous terrain. We want to avoid financial pitfalls. We want to detour around relationship conflicts. We don’t want to make missteps that may cause us to fumble our responsibilities. Being cautious seems the prudent thing to do. However, if we keep our heads down, focusing only on the next step, we will miss the bigger picture of what God is doing around us. We will walk through life oblivious to the beauty, joy and grace of God.
The prophet Isaiah loved to proclaim, “Lift up your eyes and look around.” (Isaiah 49:18) When you lift up your eyes, he says, you will see the heavens and the earth, the stars and the children that God has created.
And you will recognize the handiwork of God.
-Dr. Jim Baldwin
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