The Waiting Walk

I went on my first solo road trip last weekend!

The NAD Teachers Convention is in Phoenix this week, but I flew in early on Friday to visit with a classmate from high school. I rented a car and drove out to the Show Low area and spent the weekend with her.

We spent Sabbath driving to some amazing and beautiful places. The elevation there was between 7,000 and 10,000 feet and wow, such beautiful country! Not most people’s picture of Arizona.

And then I semi-spontaneously decided to head back to Phoenix the long way and see the Grand Canyon! I hopped online and found an Airbnb for only $45 only 45 minutes away from the park. It was quite the little place – exactly as I expected from the description and was perfect as a place to crash for one night. I got up early Monday morning and was in the park just before sunrise.

It was worth it.

I can’t really explain my emotions as I walked to the rim of the canyon with the warm glow of the not-quite risen sun, the brisk air, a very few strangers also quietly seeking to capture this beautiful moment. I literally shed tears.

I was overwhelmed by the goodness of God. The vastness stretching out before me, reminding me of the power of God’s never-ending strength and love. A new job stretches in front of me that is also big, and yet the excitement and anticipation of what God is going to do next overpowers the fears. This canyon is huge, but God and His love are even bigger. And I am filled with peace. The fact that I am here alone yet not lonely, that I feel so secure in the arms of my Heavenly Father… it is incredible. Tears are how my body chose to express this wonder. So I let them flow.

I have never even considered a solo adventure like this before. I would have been so nervous and stressed. Intimidated. But as I have been learning that I’m not actually as in control of my life as I previously thought, it has been easier to try new things. To let go of the fear of failure. To be willing to take it one day at a time, no matter what that day brings. To understand that when things don’t go as planned, we will still get through it. We will. He will get us through.

I was just filled with awe, standing there overlooking this beautiful vast expanse.

God is good.

God has this.

He has me.

I hopped in the car and drove the Desert View Drive, taking my time and stopping at several viewpoints along the way. Then I adjusted my journey south to go through scenic Sedona. I was also thankful for a small rainstorm that washed off most of the dirt my car had acquired in the 2 miles of dirt road getting to my little Airbnb camper. Returned the rental, took an Uber to the hotel, got checked in to the conference, and then started the wonderful fun of connecting with friends I haven’t seen in years.

I’m feeling refreshed. Inspired. Filled.

Let me remind you: God is enough. The trials are hard, and at times you may not know which end is up, but He will get you through. The other side is beautiful.

Some day you may be standing at the edge of your Grand Canyon and understand for the first time (or the hundredth time) that God’s love is even bigger and more vast than you had even begun to imagine before.

Lean in to it.

Let Him overwhelm you.

The adventure has just begun!