Monday, October 19, 2015

A Holy Experience

Holy.   This is the one word that consistently comes to mind over and over as I think about our one-day, rim-to-rim hike across the Grand Canyon.

Yes, it was hard.  Exhausting, really.

Yes, it was beautiful.  Exhilarating.  Breathtaking visually.

Yes, it was a symphony to the ears each time we neared a rushing stream.

It was cold, warm, cloudy, sunny, wet, dark.

But over and over, I am reminded:  It. Was. Holy.

Holy literally means, set apart for God; hallowed; sacred.  

Why Holy?  
We trained and we traveled with Christians committed to doing this, not simply for the physical claim of doing something incredible hard - but for the glory of God.   We raised money - thanks to our amazing sponsors - that will fund Christ-centered health and wellness programs for the poor and the homeless.  We stopped along the way for quiet times with God.  Devotions written by members of our own community.

But the big Holy ?  
God met me there in ways I had not imagined.  

  • In the sound of the rushing water - If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink (John 7:37). 
  • In the steepness of the hills - I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2
  • In the darkness of night, and the shepherds who came to walk the final mile with us - The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.  He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.   Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  (Psalm 23:1-4)
  • In his Presence every single step of the way.  All 25 miles.  Every step up and down.  


Would I do it again?   MMMMM - probably, yes!  Want to join me?