Surprises

Isn’t it funny how things in life change you – things you never expect to? For instance, we just returned from a 11 day family trip in the southwestern United States.  I’m embarrassed to admit that I went into this trip kicking and screaming.  My dear husband has had this adventure of sorts on his bucket list for many, many years.  I, on the other hand, had heard about the Grand Canyon and Sedona and Hollywood. Why in the world would I want to go there?

I’ve come away from a whirling two weeks of realizing things aren’t always what I think. Did I just say I’m not always right? Shhh…don’t let that get around! Seriously, though, I now realize that until you see something with your own eyes, you don’t really understand it.

Take for instance the Grand Canyon.  When we booked a hotel 1/4 mile from the rim, I thought that meant we would leisurely walk from our room and peer down into a big hole.  Nope. Not even close.  First you have to catch a bus and then another bus to get to a lookout point to see the sunset.  BTW, in December it is freezing – didn’t realize that either. Should have brought my winter coat.  Anyway, once I got to the lookout, I realized I wasn’t seeing the Grand Canyon. I was seeing a small part of the Grand Canyon.  Apparently it’s big. Really big.  It’s not something you can peer into and see at one glance. It’s not smooth either.

Don’t get me wrong, it was beautiful. Amazingly beautiful.  But it was lots of ledges with lots of depth. It left me in awe of our great Creator. He is so limitless and we are so limited.  Which brings me to my point, I could see pictures and read about the Grand Canyon all day, but until I actually saw it with my eyes, I really had no clue.

I think the same thing is true when it comes to our relationship with God. We can read about Him and talk about Him, but until we develop a personal relationship with God, we don’t really know Him.  I’m so thankful God left His Word, the Bible and I don’t have to travel 1800 miles to find Him.