Wide-eyed Wonder

On our last morning in Tucson, Amy and I took her grandkids to a stupendous park with a half mile long pathway lined with bronze animals. Elephants, zebras, giraffes, gorillas, foxes, black bears, hippos... all full size. The 2 year old was enthralled, climbing on every creature with wide eyed wonder.

I felt like that 2 year old the whole time I was in Tucson. I never realized how stunningly spectacular and grandiose the desert landscape is. I feel sad not only to leave my beloved and very fun sister, but also to leave this surprisingly captivating land. I will miss hearing the coyotes, and awakening to a pink and gold sky slowly spreading across the ring of mountain tops that surround the desert valley. I will miss the saguaro cactus, with their funny stubby arms and prickles. I will miss the sounds of the 3 month old baby, with whom I shared a room, gurgling in her sleep. I am looking forward to sleeping late in my own bed and recovering from the cold I picked up at the tail end of an exhausting, but wonderful trip.

But I leave my sister healthy and laughing again, a far cry from the wretched form I arrived to, groaning and pale on her hospital bed. I feel deep gratitude to God for her healing and that I was privileged to share in that transformation from terrible pain to wholeness and joy again.

We all have that opportunity. We who believe that Jesus is the way to eternal life and unfettered joy miss such a monumental blessing when we are not shouting that good news from the mountains. How could I ever lose the wonder of His provision and sustenance? He lines my path not with bronze creatures that mimic life in a dry and thirsty desert, but with living water that will quench my thirst forever. In wide eyed wonder, I looked out over the mountains as the plane lifted above earth, carrying me home.

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 Psalm 40: 9-10
 9 I have told the glad news of deliverance
in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
 as you know, O Lord.
10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
from the great congregation.