Red Rocks and Rattlesnakes

I love to hike, and the experience of being out in nature is one I crave and cherish. There is so much beauty in this world. One warm summer day, my husband and I met up with his friend Chris for a five-mile hike in Zion National Park, Utah, United States of America. The azure-colored sky was laced with puffy white clouds. There was a slight breeze, and the sun was high. Chris is a talented and creative musician, and his love for God is exhibited in all his musical arrangements. While my husband scanned the trail for rattlesnakes, I enjoyed the hike and being out in nature. I noticed Chris continually commenting on the various colors of the rocks, how they changed from pink to red to gray and sometimes white along one cliff wall.

He saw the greenery of the trees contrasted with the deep-blue sky and the multicolored rock walls, observing their God-given beauty.

Although we had hiked this trail before, I had never appreciated it as Chris did. His perspective inspired me to open my mind further to the beauty of God’s creation that still exists in our broken world. The trail ended at a beautiful double arch rock formation draped in beautiful shades of red, pink, and black, brilliantly reflecting the sunlight.

Chris stepped into the arch and began to sing a song he wrote called “Our Faith Will Rise.” His perfect pitch voice echoed off the surrounding walls and brought me to tears, reminding me of the immense love of our Savior. Our God not only created breathtaking scenery but also gave each of us marvelous talents designed to bless Him and others.

What an experience! This simple five-mile (eight-kilometer) hike reminded me to look up and see the wonders that exist in our world. I enjoyed this experience in a fresh, new way, using all my senses. I heard the birds chirping. I smelled the freshness of the trees and the dampness of the creek. I saw the vibrant colors of the rocks towering above us.

But most of all, it was a reminder to thank our heavenly Father for giving us the gift of His love and the promise of eternal life. It was an experience I will never forget.

And guess what? I never saw one rattlesnake! Praise God!

Judy Casper