After a few days in Los Angles, we traveled north again to
the Sierra Nevada Mountains. I planned this two-day journey, too, so my kids
knew there would be more NATURE. "I
guess we'll see more rocks." Although not nearly as impressed as their
mom, they enjoyed Kings Canyon National Park's hours of curves and breathtaking views. They took pictures and admitted it was worth seeing.
Then, we drove to my second favorite place on earth,
Yosemite National Park. Driving through
Yosemite, David and I promised them they'd love it at the top where we'd see
the waterfall, El Capitan, and Half Dome. "More rocks? More trees? oh goodie," they remarked. But, I'll never forget their
faces when we reached Glacier Point, where the view is boulder after grand boulder. Then, the granddaddy of
them all, Half Dome. They were awed and took almost as many pictures as I did
(almost).
We saw incredible rocks along the Pacific coast and driving
through Kings Canyon, but none compared to Half Dome. It was worth the drive and the wait. Yosemite was crowded and busy, hot and dry, and
although my kids didn't care to see more rocks, they were glad we didn't miss
what the Ahwahnechees
originally called Tis-sa-ack, the
name of a mother from native legend.
"You are my witnesses-is there any other God? No! There
is no other Rock - not one." Isaiah 44:8
"He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress
where I will not be shaken." Psalm 62:6
We live in a world of many inspirational resources with entire stores
devoted to our faith, offering hundreds of
books, DVDs and music. We don't
have to search far for a preacher, a pod-cast or website and have access to
faith based radio stations and television. We turn on our computers and find devotional blogs.
But, there's only one Rock, one salvation. Years ago, I felt proud of myself reading a
faith based, then the author said -paraphrasing- if you're reading my words instead of God's Word, put this book down. YIKES.
Preachers, blogs, books, DVDs are inspirational and make us think. Hopefully, though, they lead us to travel
further and search God's Word on our own and to a personal relationship with
the One True Rock.
What if all the inspirational material satisfied us and our preachers,
radios, DVDs were the final destination? What if after reading a few faith
based books, I say, "I've seen enough scripture," and never search, climb and discover God's Word on my own? Often, Sunday's message and music are my final stop. When I do travel further, though, this Rock offers more awe than I ever imagined.
Maybe life is dry, and you're tired but believe you've seen
or heard enough preachers and read enough books or blogs about God. Don't stop. Continue traveling alone through your own
Bible and discover the One truly magnificent Rock, and be awed.
He's worth the time,
Katy
