For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Revelation 7:17 (ESV)
Though the sun came out today mid morning, husband was reluctant to take off on the motorcycle until the roads had a chance to dry out. So, we stuck close to the cabin again. He cooked breakfast and once more, we ate on the porch. Then, I coaxed husband outside. I find the sound of the water rushing over the falls and rocks so soothing and relaxing. We were both so stressed when we left for vacation and now, we are calm and at peace. We bought some folding chairs last night while we were out, so set up “camp” on top of the waterfall and sat there until husband’s feet turned blue and he got goose bumps. He came back to the house, and I moved farther upstream to a small beach where I alternated between taking pictures and “swimming” which consisted of dipping my lower half in the water, shrieking at the cold and jumping up! I walked up the trail as far as it goes and then, waded in the stream until branches blocked the path. I found a kid’s fish net hung up on a limb. When I reached out to pull it off, I saw a red salamander. It was so bright that it stood out against the green net. When I tried to pull the net up to see the salamander closer, it lept off and swam away. What a treat it was to see! Eventually, I made my way back down to the base of the big waterfall by the cabin. I found a rock in the sun and sat with my feet in the water for about an hour creating small rock towers or cairns around me on the big rock. What started out as an aimless amusement turned into a surprisingly sacred moment as I placed one stone on top of another trying to balance them and create something pleasing to the eye. I contemplated the time I was investing and how all my efforts would be washed away with the next storm. I thought about how much time I spend worrying and fretting over insignificant things when in reality, the only thing that can make a life changing difference is prayer. My attitude completely turned and the cold moss covered rock upon which I sat became a sanctuary as I prayed for the ones I love. At home, prayer is often something done in a few minutes here and there squeezed between other activities. It is haphazard and random. Today, with nothing else pressing for my attention, God’s creation became my cathedral and the sound of the waterfall, the choir. Back in the “real world”, I will not have a moss covered rock and a waterfall to use as a retreat, but I can make a concerted effort to set aside the time to pray like I did today. While I will not have water sounds to calm me, the process of prayer is equally as soothing and important.
Don't you suppose that the Garden was very much like your little getaway? Refreshing, relaxing, simple time with the Lord? Be blessed my friend.