SYCAMORE FALLS: ROADS UNKNOWN
It was our annual trek to find that perfect place for our Christmas photo. I found a cool place called Sycamore Falls near Williams AZ. as a new destination. The directions said it would take approximately two hours (NOT!). The pictures showed majestic falls so what better place to get that “ shot “? Like all unknown adventures, it’s usually not what you expected. Sometimes it’s better ( like the time we went to Sedona and it snowed just as we were getting our Christmas picture taken). But other times might be less than what you would hope. Fortunately, our family is familiar with both scenarios so this trip wasn’t completely out of the ordinary. As we ventured further off the beaten path the roads became more and more and more treacherous. At one point I texted one of our neighbors to let them know where to find us if we never returned! And then we were there. It was a beautiful day for a hike. The path was sketchy but we continued to follow the rim. At one point though it became apparent we may have gone off the path leading to the falls. Has that ever happened to you? Have you gone on the path that you believed was guided by God and yet it led to a place you didn’t want to go? Maybe a marriage, a career, a move to another state, a doctor that was recommended so highly? How can we be sure that our current circumstances isn’t exactly the right road? It may be very bumpy, treacherous, and even scary but the Lord says in Psalms 32:8 “ I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you”. What seemed to be the wrong path for the direction we were seeking led us to one of the most amazing parts of the canyon. With the sun shining on its ribboned like rock formation, it glittered with the patches of snow still left over all the trees and tips of the rocks. We finally did find the falls only there was no waterfalls, no exquisite rocks, no picturesque view for our Christmas photo. Instead, the picture we took here was “ perfect”…perfect on the wrong road. Or was it the wrong road? If there is one thing I have learned walking with Jesus is that what we might think what was the wrong way to go was exactly the right path to see the most amazing beauty that can only be seen and experienced when we decide to let Him lead…even when it seems like the wrong way. May you find comfort and peace today for where you are right now…Jesus has already walked that road and He will be with you to the very end…