Upon arriving at the Pedernales Falls (around 10:30am)
I'm sitting in the middle of the falls and I know I'm going to get burned. (I forgot sunscreen...) But Jesus didn't have sunscreen, so I'm going to tough it out. I'm here today to give it ALL to God, and to give ALL of myself to Him. I don't really know how to give everything to Him, but I'm going to try...
A few hours later, now in a different spot...
God isn't speaking words to me. He's putting me in tough and scary situations to teach me to completely trust and rely on Him. Earlier, as I was hiking, I started on a path and came to a fork in the road. I decided God was pointing me left so I went that way. It was BEAUTIFUL and TRANQUIL. I could hear the gentle roar of the river and the happy chirping of birds. For all I knew, I was the only human around. The path was everything and I was sure that God was leading me to an even more beautiful destination. Here's a picture of the path I was on:
What you can't see in the gorgeous picture is that a little ways down the path, there was a spot where a number of spider webs spanned the width of the path. I went from feeling peaceful to scared in about 5 seconds. I did not want to keep going down that path so I turned around. Not five steps into my hike back did I feel the gentle pushing of God. He wanted me to stay on the path I was on, to face my fear and to keep going. But I was scared! I was afraid of the spiders and that I might get bitten. So I decided to arm myself. I found a big stick and knocked down first web. As I was doing that I saw the spider scurry onto the ground. I felt bad that I had destroyed it's web... Well maybe not too bad. After I knocked that one down, there were more in my way. Why did God want me to keep going!? Didn't he see the danger? Didn't he know I was scared? I turned around again. By this time I was crying and shaking (in retrospect, that seems a little dramatic, but that's what happened nonetheless). This time I got maybe 10 steps away when it hit me. I have to COMPLETELY trust God to get me through the obstacle and continue on my path. So, I turned back, with my big stick, and waved it around like a mad woman, knocking down all the webs. Then I ducked (because I was sure the spiders were still going to land on my head), and prayed, and held onto God... and I got through it. He got me through it.
There were more webs along the path and it was scary at times ( I saw an animal skull hanging from a tree... freaky! ) but the path itself was beautiful. And then it just stopped. There was no beautiful destination. But what God taught me is that sometimes it isn't the destination that is important, but it's the journey and most importantly trusting COMPLETELY in Him. I learned that some of the paths God puts us on are meant to grow us, to strengthen us, and to humble us.
Next "scary" situation, in another part of the park...
In another area of the park, where the river isn't quite as dangerous and swimming is allowed, I found myself in quite a precarious situation. Because there were a lot of people in this area and because I wanted more solitude, I decided to walk in the river to find a more secluded spot. The water was about shin high and not moving very quickly. I saw a nice spot across the way and decided to cross the river. As I was crossing, the water became deeper and it was moving much more quickly. Suddenly, I stumbled on a big rock and almost fell completely in! I caught myself on a rock and stood back up, shaking with adrenaline because I knew if I had completely fallen then I would have not only gotten my back pack (and my bible) soaked, but I also would have gotten hurt. At that moment I realized I was in a scary position. I was rooted firmly on the river bed, but if I lifted my foot even an inch, I felt like I would be taken by the force of river. I knew I would not be able to get back without help. So I prayed that God would protect me and keep me safe. I kept saying "Lord keep me safe, help me across" over and over again. As I was saying this I slowly inched each foot forward and clung on with all my strength. As I was getting closer to the side, praying for protection, I almost fell a few times, but each time a great balance would come into me. I was shaking with adrenaline, but I felt strong and I knew that God would get me through it. I finally reached the side and praised and thanked God.
This experience in the river really spoke to me. What I learned, what God taught me is that there are times, many times, when I will get myself in situations that are hard to get out of and that the only safe way out is with God. I can think of a number of precarious situations that I got myself in because I was not thinking clearly. In many of those situations I didn't even think of turning to God, and of course, the outcomes were not favorable. But the next time I feel that I am for sure going to stumble and fall because of where I got myself stuck, I will hold fast to Him and not let go. He will always provide a way out of any scary situation.
Here's a picture of the part of the river where I was almost swept away...
The rest of the day...
I learned a few other things throughout the day. One is that I'm not taking care of my body the way that I should be. I knew this because many times during my hiking I was so out of breath. I really should not have been, but it makes sense seeing as I don't exercise at all. God gave me this amazing and miraculous body. I am fearfully and wonderfully made! And I need to take care of myself.
Another thing I learned is that God loves to spend time with me. There were a few times when I was walking on a trail that I felt like Jesus was walking right along side of me, silently, but smiling and enjoying the fact that I came to this beautiful place just to spend time with Him. I've neglected Him and relied on Him for only what I need and want. I had never dedicated time just for Him, to listen to Him, to walk with Him, and to just be with Him until today.
Probably the most profound lesson I learned has to do with utter and total trust. It's easy to say "I trust in the Lord" but when things get tough how often do we completely rely on Him? I know I am guilty of trying to do things on my own, and only turning to God when I can't do it. To put your entire being of trust in Him is scary, but it is such a beautiful feeling when it finally happens.
On a final note, throughout the day I read various parts of the bible, wherever it opened up. I read a passage out of Daniel and out of Revelation and then I decided to read out of Psalm. I really wanted to read a certain verse, but I couldn't remember which one it was so I just read different Psalms at random. The third or fourth one I read was the one I wanted to read! (And for those of you not familiar with the book of Psalm, there are like 150 Pslams!) Here's the one I read, and I thought is was so fitting for the day. Enjoy...
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.Psalm 27: 4-6
And here are some other pictures of my glory-filled day with God...
