This photo was taken at Canyonlands National Park on a day when visibility was extremely limited by smoke from wildfires. We had experienced this 2 years ago, at Glacier NP. But then, the fires were only 10-15 miles away. This smoke was coming from California, hundreds of miles away.
The limited visibility can seem frustrating; you can’t really see want you were hoping to see. If your eyes aren’t “open”, you’ll miss a blessed experience.
This photo was taken at Capitol Reef National Park. It was taken fairly early in the day as we were heading towards Cassidy Arch. The moon was the focus of my attention, although it is barely visible in this photo. If you enlarge the photo, you get a better idea of what I was seeing at that time.
For me, this is a reminder of how we receive God’s attention, regardless of how small or insignificant we feel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song,
and sing out your praise.
Psalm 98:3-4
(Photo: Landscape Arch, Arches NP)
On the hike to Delicate Arch, there is a small opening in rock right before you round the corner and have a full view of the Arch. This is the view through the opening, known as Frame Arch because of the striking view. It is a short scramble up several feet from the main trail, but well worth the effort.
Sometimes we need to extend ourselves a little beyond our “comfort zone” to experience some of God’s richest blessings.
Balanced Rock stands 128 feet tall. While it appears to be a balancing act, the upper rock of sandstone sits attached to the lower pedestal of mudstone which is eroding more rapidly. Eventually, the 3,600 ton boulder will come tumbling down as the erosion continues. In the winter of 1975-76, Balanced Rock’s smaller sibling “Chip-Off-the-Old-Block” collapsed. (See the National Park website for great “then and now” photos: https://www.nps.gov/arch/learn/photosmultimedia/then-and-now.htm).
Life changes and many of these changes may seem unwelcome. It requires trust that God is “sculpting” our lives into masterpieces.
This is a photo of the North and South Windows at Arches National Park. It is also known as the “Spectacles” for obvious reasons. To me, it looks like eyes. For a better idea of the size of these arches, zoom in on the North Window (on left). Impressive.
Jehovah, Yahweh, Elohim, Adonai. All names for the one God. Creator of impressive arches (and other things).
This photo was taken not long into our hike to Cassidy Arch at Capitol Reef. Looking down on the parking lot, the cars are already looking very small. It’s amazing how quickly your perspective can change on a hike.
At the hospital, we have taken care of many people who did not think the pandemic was a serious problem. Until they got sick. Then they experienced a dramatic change in perspective.
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalms 118:1
(Photo: Capitol Reef National Park)
This photo was taken on our Lower Calf Creek Falls hike. It may not be obvious, but there is a pile of large rocks right where the trail used to be. Of course, hikers have made a new trail around rocks now, but it is clear that sometime in the not so distant past, the trail would been a very dangerous place to be standing.
As we follow the path God has placed in front of us, let us be thankful for the “detours” we encounter. They are there for a good reason!
One day within your courts
is better than a thousand elsewhere.
Psalm 84:10
(Photo: Capitol Reef National Park)
