Encouragement

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My Trip to Zion Canyon

“In the beginning God created…” Genesis 1:1


As I stood at the base of the canyon I was about to walk thru, I could not help but think of all the verses in the Bible that refers to God and His majesty. I stood in awe at what I saw. It took my breath away! To my right was a huge mountain. As I looked upward, the colors on this mountainside grew lighter in color. The colors went from dark green, to brown, to light brown, to tan. It cannot be explained in words. To my left was an awesome sight of greens, browns, and bright sunlight reflecting off the side of that mountain at the top. I could hardly wait to begin my walk down thru this canyon and see all the things our God had created.

As I began my walk, my feet noticed the texture of the ground beneath me. These tender feet of mine felt the textures of all the different sizes of rocks and pebbles. I saw brown ones. I saw dark colored ones. I saw little pebbles so small it’s hard to say what colors they really were. My feet enjoyed the textures and reminded me of the details God put into this mighty creation of His.

I had never been thru any canyon, let alone one as awesome as this. I saw beautiful shades of green in the plants and in the trees. I saw leafy cottonwoods along the canyon floor. So many gorgeous ferns and wildflowers grow here. I understand they are fed by the cool springs and seeps along the desert cliffs. I’m sure every leaf, every tree has a name of its own. Those scientific names mean nothing to me. To me they were leaves and trees created by God. That’s all I needed to know.

As I walked further along, my sense of sound kicked in. Yes, that was water I heard! I hurried on to the sound and found the most magnificent little babbling brook running thru this canyon. As I bent over to stick my hands in the water, I could see bugs and little critters swimming around in this water that was their home. I splashed the water a little and watched the bugs and critters move hastily away from my splashing sound. I didn’t blame them for their sudden, frightened reaction to me. I’m sure I would have reacted the same if I’d been in their place. The water was cool yet not cold. It was warm all at the same time and felt so good running thru my fingers and back into the brook. The word “awesome” does not describe the feeling in my heart. I knew it was time for me to move on. I could have stayed there in that spot for hours, but knew in order to see more of this canyon and experience the magic of God’s creation in it, I had to keep moving.

I looked to my left and found some step like rocks going up to a small hill. I absolutely had to go see what was up there! As I walked up the small hill on the rocks I remained careful and alert. I didn’t want to fall and miss out on any of the things I knew were around me. I wanted to see and experience it all.

On the top of this little hill, I saw more shades of green and brown. Much to my surprise I saw a small cactus with little blossoms on it. How can that be? Well, how can it not be? God created this and after all, the canyon was in the desert. Cactus grew in the desert. I had to believe God put that one there just for me.

I don’t know why I stood in such awe at every little thing but I did. I began to realize God had arranged all of this just for me. God knew the tough year I had had. He took Mother home to be with Him a year ago today. God knew how much it hurt and how much I missed Mom. It had measured up to be the hardest year of my life. I had to believe God wanted to send me some place special to give me a new start and to make sure I knew and understood how much I matter to Him. I’m His daughter. What a hug He had arranged just for me!

I was careful as I walked thru this massive creation of God’s. I didn’t want to miss one color, one hue, one sound, one thing. God made all of this just for me! He arranged for me to have this visit, this time, right now, in this space of my life. “…and the peace of God which passes all understanding, will rule in your heart and mind.” Philippians 4:7

I was coming near the end of my time in this great Canyon. I hated to leave! I found a peace there I never thought possible after the loss of my mother. As I gazed upward, I began to see colors of pink, red, and even salmon. Those browns, greens and tans had turned into something more glorious as the sun was beginning to set. The reflections of the sunset turned this massive canyon into yet more of His glory, His greatness, and His majesty. I found myself wondering if heaven looked a little like this. Was Mom enjoying something similar this? Are those pearly gates greater than the beauty I was beholding? I cannot imagine the streets of gold being greater than the dirt, pebbles, and rocks I was privileged to experience. All my life I had wanted the best for Mom. I believe I am at peace now knowing that she finally has His best! The experience He chose to give to me was a simple hug. A hug from my Heavenly Father showing me He understood and He cared. I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want to go, but………

“Honey, you awake? It’s time for you to get up for work,” I heard Bill talking to me and knew my trip was over.

Merry Christmas!


DeaSipes©December 14, 2009

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