Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Sightseeing (08/08/05)
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TITLE: The Ultimate Sightseeing Adventure | Previous Challenge Entry
By Nancy Israel
08/13/05 -
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The trip up was a bit nerve wracking to say the least. What started out as a nice paved road just kind of weaving through the lower mountain terrain suddenly became a narrow dirt road, traffic going both directions, with no protective railing and shoulders that dropped straight down off the side. I hid my eyes to avoid some of the terror I was feeling. Of course a van full of teenaged boys being obnoxious with their comments only added to my anxiety and my praying without ceasing. Because of the incline the motor began to heat up and we wound up having to turn off the air conditioner and open the windows which meant dust went everywhere and allergy levels went soaring. It certainly was not what I would call an easy, pleasant Saturday afternoon drive. I asked, "Was it really worth it?"
When we reached the top my fear of heights kicked in big time. I was able to actually get myself out of the van but I pretty much stood by it in the center of the parking lot on the peak without moving for quite some time. I was safe there and knew it. I could see the view some and that was good enough for me. It wasn't until my good friend came over to me and said "Come on we're going to look at the view together" that I was able to actually move from my safe spot by the van. The air was thin and difficult to breathe anyway without my level of anxiety making it worse. Although we took it slow as I moved I found that as long as I was with someone I trusted I was ok to approach the edge and look out over the panoramic view. When we got to the lookout points the view was magnificent. God's creation at it's best. Everything was clear and crisp. The colors, shadows, and shapes were brilliant. I was so glad I moved so I could take in the awesome views of God's wonderful creation.
As I reflect on the experience I believe that sometimes we have the same sort of journey in our relationship with God. The road to meet God isn't always easy. Sometimes it can be steep, dusty, and filled with anxiety. Yet He wants to show us His glory so He encourages us along the way. He calls us out of our comfort zones to experience His goodness and power yet we fear stepping out in faith and taking a risk. We are anxious or downright afraid to go too close to the edge. We trust ourselves on the solid ground with our sure footing but have difficulty trusting Him to protect us when things get a bit rough or when we are moved to the edge. Often it takes the companionship of someone close to us to say "Come on we'll do this together" for us to have the courage to step out beyond ourselves and fully experience God and His wonders. When we are able to do this we find the view breathtaking, the images engraved in our minds, and are awed at the wonder of our God.
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