Yosemite – Look, See, Pray

Gnibbled by gnats. Grrr. Not a major problem, more of an irritating inconvenience. What do gnats gnibble when they can’t eat people?

Little things with an impact far bigger than we expect can be distracting, annoying, and disruptive. Untreated- or worse still, scratched bloody- what seem like tiny aggravations can become a danger to our bodies or peace of mind.

We tend to think that it’s the major crisis or awkward problem that will cause most grief in life. Strangely, sometimes we cope better with the big things: they demand our attention and time, and we can’t ignore them. So we get on with it or get help. But gnat bites demand that we focus on them… and mosquitoes are even worse! (If you ever visit Yosemite Valley, don’t stand by the rivers without protective clothing… I did. Once. Aargh!)

Imagine standing here, admiring the mountains and river, and losing it when the itching starts. Each gnibble is insignificant(-ish). Together, they torment and terrorise our very being!

Perhaps I’m the only weak one. You may be strong-willed and single-minded. But so often in my experience it’s the “trivial” troubles that derail my progress: especially my discipleship. Following the Way of Jesus is never easy; and the small annoying habits and “I should know better” choices that make my path stonier than it need be.

The “Letter to the Hebrews” calls on us to emulate those faithful Christlike people who have run the race before us, often paying a higher cost than us, and overcome the big and little trials of faith. How? By fixing our focus on the One who overcame even the Cross. It sounds simple, even simplistic. Will we be beaten by the gnats that gnibble? Or the lions that roar? Or run to win the prize?

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

*Ribbon Fall, Yosemite Valley, California*

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!