Overwhelming sound- the roar of the big waterfalls in Yosemite Valley is stunning. Seen from across the valley, the sheer volume of water plunging into mid-air is stupendous. Getting closer to the base of the fall is an immersive experience! Sound, sight, soaking spray- you can’t just “see” the waterfall, you are caught up into its majestic reality and power.
Conversation is drowned out. It’s hard to find appropriate words anyway. We use the word “awesome” too easily these days… I once heard someone say their burger was awesome. Really? To be overawed by minced beef and a bun is setting a very low bar.
Awe is defined as “a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.” (If wolfing a cheeseburger is that inspirational, you need to get out more. Or send me the address of the chef.)
In an age of technological marvels and amazing human accomplishments, we can be blasé about wonder- it’s the quality of innocent childhood that we submerge in sophisticated adult cynicism. A child is excited by the Christmas tree, their new kitten, raindrops and puddles… this big kid is excited by waterfalls, mountains, thunder- and God.
John the Apostle saw amazing visions: he describes one of them in these words: “And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps.” – Revelation 14:2 (NASB)
The Voice of God Almighty, awesome, terrifying, beautiful- and conveying absolute wonder. It’s a vision of Jesus- no longer “just” the Baby of Bethlehem, but the Risen Lord- the Eternal Word of God- speaking love, justice, majesty, hope and ultimate purpose.
I think I’m going to set myself a challenge- to reserve awe for the One who IS truly awesome. I don’t want my faith and my life to be focused on burgers when God is inviting me to a Banquet.
And if a photo I took in 2004 can inspire me to make 2024 a more God-centred, purpose-filled life of love, hope and worship- then bring on the roar of many waters!