Fall Creek Falls
This evening, I returned home from a two day retreat at Fall Creek Falls State Park. The retreat was what I needed to clear my mind. I feel refreshed and invigorated. (And I know it's not just because of all the prescription drugs I'm taking at the moment.) It was just a day and a half away from home but it was enough to break the seemingly endless routine and enjoy one of the many natural beauties of Tennessee.
I went hiking for the first time (I know, I've lived a sheltered life). My previous "hiking" experience consists of walking down a well-worn trail in the woods somewhere. I'm sure the highest I lifted my legs was a couple inches just to step over an ugly bug or a fallen tree branch. At Fall Creek Falls, I took the challenge of manuevering through the rocky terrain to get to the bottom of the falls. The physical exertion was worth it! It was like finding the end of the rainbow. What a jewel it was. The falls were much quieter than others that I have been to, such as Niagara Falls. It didn't overwhelm me and warn me to keep my distance but it lured me into getting a little closer and then convinced me to sit down and stay awhile.
As I sit here writing, verses are coming to mind that relate to the experience and feelings I felt today as I sat on the boulder - looking up as the water gracefully danced it's way down to the puddled water at the bottom - 256 feet below. This never ending flow of water is there for me to enjoy and it would've been a crime not to stop and marvel at its greatness.
The verse that comes to mind is Isaiah 30:15 "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength...Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice, Blessed are those who wait for him!" Waiting and resting are not in my blood. I like to have instant gratification. But I'm learning the value of waiting for God....The results are much more satisfying and long-lasting.
I opened my Bible to this passage and read down further to find another great verse that has always seemed so cool to me. Isaiah 30:21 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it."
On the car ride home, someone asked "Can you imagine finding those falls?" It would've definitely made the trek worth it.
What wonderful places and times of retreat God has provided for us and offers us daily. If only we could understand the worth of it. If only we would allot times of retreat. The things He has to show us!
I went hiking for the first time (I know, I've lived a sheltered life). My previous "hiking" experience consists of walking down a well-worn trail in the woods somewhere. I'm sure the highest I lifted my legs was a couple inches just to step over an ugly bug or a fallen tree branch. At Fall Creek Falls, I took the challenge of manuevering through the rocky terrain to get to the bottom of the falls. The physical exertion was worth it! It was like finding the end of the rainbow. What a jewel it was. The falls were much quieter than others that I have been to, such as Niagara Falls. It didn't overwhelm me and warn me to keep my distance but it lured me into getting a little closer and then convinced me to sit down and stay awhile.
As I sit here writing, verses are coming to mind that relate to the experience and feelings I felt today as I sat on the boulder - looking up as the water gracefully danced it's way down to the puddled water at the bottom - 256 feet below. This never ending flow of water is there for me to enjoy and it would've been a crime not to stop and marvel at its greatness.
The verse that comes to mind is Isaiah 30:15 "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength...Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice, Blessed are those who wait for him!" Waiting and resting are not in my blood. I like to have instant gratification. But I'm learning the value of waiting for God....The results are much more satisfying and long-lasting.
I opened my Bible to this passage and read down further to find another great verse that has always seemed so cool to me. Isaiah 30:21 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it."
On the car ride home, someone asked "Can you imagine finding those falls?" It would've definitely made the trek worth it.
What wonderful places and times of retreat God has provided for us and offers us daily. If only we could understand the worth of it. If only we would allot times of retreat. The things He has to show us!
posted by Rachel | 8:51 PM
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