What the Canyon Has Taught Me
Grand Canyon is a unique adventure experience. In fact, msn.com recently ranked a river trip through Grand Canyon as one of the top 23 bucket-list adventures in the world. That’s high praise with which I would agree (granted there are many adventures I have not embarked upon…yet).
I feel a sense of peace and belonging in the mountains. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (along the MN Canadian border) evokes a deep sense of solitude and serenity. The jungle mountains of the Dominican Republic broaden my perspective. The ocean is a mystery to me that leaves me feeling…well…wet and salty. Grand Canyon; however, permeates me. It courses through my veins and infiltrates my thinking. Only in recent days have I been able to begin (only begin) to process the impact that began the first time Kathleen and I experienced Grand Canyon in August 2008. This is my first attempt to communicate to others what Grand Canyon has taught me.
- Life is simple! I understand that it can be painful and deeply challenging, but it is not as complicated as we make it out to be. Honestly, this has been my mindset for quite sometime. However, life at the bottom of Grand Canyon puts a solar flare-sized spotlight on the gross surplus of our life. It is certainly different from the impact of engaging true poverty, but no less poignant. We can do more with less. Our lack of trust in God and over-dependence upon self complicates life. Deep trust in God’s sovereignty and confidence in His word makes life simple.
- Some things I’ll risk death for; some things I’ll risk injury for; and some things I’ll just let go. Knowing what fits into which category before the chaos starts is key to a calm, confident, and efficient response.
- Rest and prepare in the calm. Look up, anticipate, choose, and hold tight in the chaos. Life in the calm waters is when rest and preparation take place. A heart of gratitude and joy lends itself to peace of heart and mind. This is God’s intention when He commands us to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). This is not time to be complacent and careless, but rather purposeful in preparation for whatever lies ahead. Joshua directed the Israelites in this the night before they crossed the Jordan River to enter the land promised long before. He instructed them to consecrate themselves for tomorrow the Lord was going to do amazing things among them (Joshua 3:5). This was a call to preparation and focus for what was ahead. We know that chaotic waters are somewhere out ahead of us. When they come, keep your head up toward God and what is ahead. Peter instructs the church to be self-controlled and alert (1 Peter 1:13; 4:7; 5:8). Looking up allows for anticipation of what lies ahead. The circumstances of life will come. When they do, see them clearly, make a choice, and hold on for the ride!
- Truth is an unstoppable, unmovable, and supernatural force. It is not found inside us, but given to us. We do not define it or discover it, it is revealed to us. We cannot believe it into existence or doubt it out of existence. It is before us, beyond us, around us, and woven into us. Jesus is the Truth. Jesus is the Creator. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega; the Beginning and the End. For this reason He came into the world and for this reason He became man; to testify to the truth (John 18:37). Alright, so I knew this before adventuring in Grand Canyon. I guess it just seems so glaring and obvious when giving the canyon as honest look. The bottom line in life is: Who do you say Jesus is?
This is a start. Please come back again on Thursday when I will reveal the top two things I have learned in Grand Canyon. These two truths that I will share have provided the greatest clarity to life I have ever had. Keep the kingdom first!
Praiseallujiah!
Jon
