Hike to Chimney Rocks

A window into God

Hiking an unfamiliar trail is like making a new friend. Each turn brings an experience of knowing.  Hiking a familiar trial is like catching up with an old friend.  Both bring solace to this weary soul of mine.  Today I hiked a new trail.  Most of it was a steady but not taxing incline.  Up, up we headed until we were at the highest point around.  It was our group’s day of silence so the three of us hiked in total silence which allowed each of us to hear the flapping of the ravens’ wings. It was heavenly.  

On many hikes, the views come and go, not unlike God.  It is sometimes easier to feel God’s presence than at others; it just is.  Aptly named Chimney Rocks, the view at  the top was spectacular.  God’s creation arrived in full glory.  We could almost touch the rocks.  It reminded me of hiking the trails of Mt. Rainier where you can get close enough to feel as though you can reach out and embrace the mountain. I am falling in love with the rugged nature of this landscape.  The story of Moses climbing Mt. Sinai takes on a whole different meaning.    

The White Place

A Cave at the White Place

The White Place

Today we drove to a area called the White Place, another subject of many of Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings - a wildly intense place of spiritual depth.  We spent an hour or so walking around this area in total silence.  I found a cave which, in my imagination,  must resemble the kind of space that some of the Desert Mothers or ammas inhabited.  I was ready to climb into this cave but out of respect for the fragility of this area, I refrained.  How did these desert fathers and mothers live?    I must confess that on a perfect day such as we had, life in the desert seems compelling.  What about when it snows, or harsh winds prevail or blinding rain creates mud holes.  Then I’d like to be inside. 

The Desert

The desert is so engaging.  I have not spent this much time in the desert and it is taking me a while to appreciate the variety of the landscape.  The drama of the land is intense and it is the perfect place to work through spiritual trials because life in the desert changes dramatically, often within just a few minutes.  I did a four mile hike into a canyon and as we returned a strong wind blew up out of no where.  It did not last long but is that not often how life is.  Things change in a minute and decisions have to be made.  We throw ourselves on the mercy of God, seeking answers that are often hiding in the crevasses of a desert wall.  

The mountains have been beaten down and changed through the harshness of the weather. And so it is with us. Life beats us down and but then the glory of God appears just like the gentle beauty that so often embraces this kind of place.  The silence is not a vacuum; it’s just an absence of all the human chatter and electronic noise that is so invasive these days.  There is much that rattles our souls and robs us of that link with the eternal.  When you are in the desert, you see the drama of God’s handiwork with such vast variety every time you drive just a short distance.  Of course, I am in an exceptionally breathtaking part of New Mexico.  There is a reason that Georgia O’Keeffe settled here.  To be able to look out at Pedernal, the flat topped mountain that is such a common subject of her artistic hands is overwhelming.  Having loved the Pacific Northwest for so many years, I never thought I would take to the desert but spending time here allows for a deeper understanding of the life Jesus lived.  This was his landscape.

Leaving for Sabbatical

I have just finished my last weekday of work for the next two months. Even though I am excited, it feels strange. The pastoral piece is by far and away the most difficult to leave, even though I am leaving the church in very capable and caring hands. I know that when I return the church will be different and I will be different. Before leaving, I took some time of prayer looking out into the wonderful memorial garden. I let my friends know that I wouldn't be gone too long. It is time.