Most of you know I was blessed to draw a line through a big item on my bucket list last year. There we were, Sandy and I, road trippin’ with two best friends, Alan and Kelli, across the southern U.S. Target: Grand Canyon.
I could do a huge photo dump of some of our grandest shared memories, but I’ll spare you that. Instead, I’ll leave you with two or three snapshots that practically tell the whole epic story.
I’ve been told by veteran visitors of the GC that the funnest part is to go with someone who has never been before. Then just stand back as they approach the rim and watch their expression. I was the one being watched that day and I’m pretty sure I followed the first-timer script.
But that’s enough about me. Let’s talk about this guy:
I probably took over a hundred photos during those eight or so hours at the southern rim. There are better shots than this, but this one is a sermon in itself.
This dude walked out on nature’s platform and, quite eloquently, turned it into a pulpit. He was an orator facing an Audience of One; I just so happened to be in the wings, eavesdropping.
As I watched, he stood there a few moments, hands in pockets, taking it all in. He may have sighed, I don’t know (I didn’t have my long lens with me). Keeping my finger on the trigger, I spied through the camera’s viewfinder thinking it made a pretty good photo on its own.
I snapped off a couple shots.
Then, slowly, he pulled one hand out of his pocket and raised a lone finger toward the sky. His face turned upward and looked where he was pointing. Like so:
I didn’t see him again the rest of the day. But I have to tell you, his actions out there in the cold sunshine, atop the canyon, moved me to the core. I got chills. The photo still does it to me.
It was a miracle we got to see the Grand Canyon at all. It had snowed to beat the band the day before — all day long. Visibility, zero. Wind gusts, treacherous. The roads to the canyon were impassable; it wasn’t until the very early morning hours they were reopened. This was the only day we could visit; the next day we would set out on our long return drive to Georgia.
Think of what we would’ve missed. Yes, the Grand Canyon. Of course, that. But we would’ve also missed a guy out on a ledge at the Grand Canyon experiencing God in the moment.
There was another guy at the Grand Canyon that day. He, too, was lifting a hand skyward but in his upraised hand was … a cell phone.
Dude was crazy. Far out on an outcropping of rock firing off selfies from all angles, he kept backing up, not paying attention to his six. There was a harrowing moment when I thought the Canyon might claim another life.
Guy #1 was pointing at the heavens that day, yielding worship to the Almighty Creator. Around the same time, Guy #2 was focusing on himself, playing fast and loose with gravity. There’s a sermon in there if you care to try.
Scroll back up to Guy #1 and see how small he is in the frame. He’s miniaturized by his surroundings. What is man that thou art mindful of him? indeed. Amid a selfie-obsessed generation, be Guy #1; he knows who he is and whose he is.
To that end, he permutates into an arrow, pointing away from himself, and directs his whole being heavenward. If we could see into the other realm we might witness the heavens opened and a whole host of beings ascending and descending, glorifying God and praising.
We are all starved for the glory of God, not self. No one goes to the Grand Canyon to increase self-esteem. Why do we go? Because there is greater healing for the soul in beholding splendor than there is in beholding self.
— John Piper
Here’s an idea: why not pause right now and lift a finger into the air and aim your praise at the Savior. Offer up humble thanks that he’s put you where he wants you, in frame, where you can testify to an eavesdropping world that Jesus isn’t just part of the Story, he’s the whole Point of the Story.
Selah, beloved. Oh, and here’s one final photo from that day at the canyon:
I agree with you how magnificent the views are at the Grand Canyon. We went there 32 years ago and when we approached the Rim, it took our breath away at the vastness of the canyon. We were able to book a sunset flight on Grand Canyon Airlines to the North Rim and back to their airport. Only 2 other people on the plane of about a dozen people spoke English and they were from Japan. The rest were Canadians speaking French. The moment we flew over the rim , the people became silent! God’s sunshine on the rock layers at sunset was so beautiful that yes, we viewed it in awe and silence. It was an ” I Sing the Mighty Power of God” moment in my heart to realize what He alone has made! So happy for you both to have experienced one of God’s mighty wonders!
I can imagine silence on that aircraft, Beth. I know for y all it was a holy and worshipful moment. Some are astounded by what the Creator put in creation, others are astounded by the Creator. Thank you for faithfully being drawn into worship of the One who rules over his creation with love.
Thank you, Lord, for being an unmatched creative genius if not even playful in your design!
Reminds me of when Jerri and I hiked to the bottom of the canyon and back out in 2008. We were amazed at how many of our fellow hikers were in such a hurry. Why? They were so focused they were missing so much beauty and wonder. We were taking our time, absorbing so much. Several times on the trails I would look back and find wildlife that had been watching us pass by, that otherwise, we would not have seen. Yet…isn’t that what we do in real life? So busy we miss what truly counts.
My brutha, to that point I thank God on the daily that he introduced me to birdwatching some years ago. Anytime I’m outside now, I don’t rush to where I’m going, but pause and look to the sky. It has truly calmed my soul. I rush less and worship more. Thank you, Jon. Always a pleasure, my friend.
I loved this beautiful picture of the GLORY of GOD and HIS sharing of it with HIS children.
I did hold my finger up to our GOD in heaven and can’t wait to see the beauty of how heaven is going to be.
Love Jan
PS I love reading your blogs💕✝️
Jan, my kind friend, it means so much to my heart that you read my verbal drippings and find the goodness of God in them. Bless you today, tomorrow, and always! I look forward to future exchanges with you!
Seeing the Grand Canyon must be an amazing experience but seeing the LORD’S grace and glory in you both truly brings more glory to our amazing God. We will never tire in giving Him the glory, forever and ever, amen. Psalm 84:10-12
One of the greatest ministries to other pilgrims in the faith is encouragement. Thank you for doing it well, Brett. Much love, brother.
Truly one of my favorite weeks ever… trip of a lifetime! As I read your blog and looked at that picture again, I was thinking that is exactly what Scott would have done if he could have gotten out on that ledge. Then I found myself wondering if GOD sent that guy out on that ledge to point his finger up just for you… to represent you… to even give you that moment… through your lens. I know He loves your heart like that! Thank you for pointing your finger up for all of us to see through this blog. Our GOD is truly awesome and oh so intimate!
Sandy and I OFTEN reflect on that trip and, with wonder, comment on how you both lived in close quarters with us all those days…. And you still love us! We love you! (Let’s do it again)
Oh and btw, we have a new Bible study at our church starting up tomorrow night: Gentle & Lowly. 😊 I can’t wait.