Thoughtful Thursday

Watch Your Step

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful Cumberland Falls State Park, located in southeast Kentucky. It has been called, “The Niagara of the South.” Visitors come from far and wide to see its magnificence. I was traveling with my two older sisters. We were having a Sister Day…just three old women…out and about, enjoying the day. Well…two older women, and me.

When we arrived, the rain was coming down steadily. We waited in the car until it cleared, and then, we started walking toward the falls.  As many people do, we stopped to take a selfie in front of the sign that read, “Welcome to Cumberland Falls.” We made our way along the wide path that lead to the first observation area that looked down over the falls. For a moment, we just breathed in its majesty, as we were mesmerized by the sight and sound of its power. I couldn’t help but think of how mighty our God is, that He created such a beautiful sight. Of course, we took a selfie there as well.

We continued along our path, knowing that there was a lower observation deck which gave a closer, eye level view of the falls. In order to get there, we came upon a set of stone steps that led down to our destination. Luckily, there was a handrail along the way.

The first set of seven or eight steps were rather straight, and led to a stone landing, where we would have to make a sharp left turn before embarking on a set of curvy, uneven steps that led to a narrow path, with huge boulders overhanging the side. I started toward the steps, when one of my sisters said, “Wait! There’s a puddle of water at the bottom, where it has been raining.” I looked at the landing at the bottom of the steps. Sure enough, I saw the puddle. “Oh, we can step over that!” I said, and I demonstrated by bounding down the steps, and deftly stretching my legs to avoid the puddle at the bottom. “See,” I said, “You can do it!” When my sisters reached the bottom step, I realized that I was taller than both of them, and what seemed easy for me, wasn’t necessarily easy for them. Their shorter legs couldn’t quite clear the puddle, but they were troopers, and didn’t mind getting their feet just a little wet.

Then, we made that sharp left turn, and began the curvy part of our journey. We each held tightly to the handrail as we plodded along, careful let others pass, as we made our way down the uneven steps, and onto the paved path that led to the lower observation deck. Once we reached it, we were in awe of its beauty, and the only word that I could think of was, “power.” We stood there several minutes, just looking and listening, and taking it all in. We started to take another selfie, but a nice lady offered to take our picture for us.

We turned and began our journey back the way we had come. It seemed even more difficult going up the steps. Because they were uneven, we sometimes stumbled, expecting each step to be the same height. But some were higher, some were lower, and we stubbed our toes a few times. Finally, we reached the landing where the puddle of water was between us and the set of steps that we needed to climb.

We hesitated, and now I realized that my sisters could not clear that puddle. We turned around, and saw a different set of steps behind us. “I wonder where those steps lead?” I said. About that time, we looked up the embankment, and saw a paved path beside us. One of my sisters said, “It might lead to that path up there, which will take us back to the entrance.” Sure enough, when we got to the set of steps on the opposite side, we turned and followed the smooth path that led us back to the entrance. We could have avoided that puddle all along, if one of us had noticed, or someone had told us about the other path.

Similarly, spiritually speaking, many people take the wrong path. Their way is fraught with twists and turns and puddles, and they often stumble, and might even fall. If only someone could show them a better path…one that’s been right beside them all along! The journey may still be difficult, but at least Jesus is there to catch us when we fall. The Holy Spirit is there to guide us along the way. And the Lord will watch over your coming and your going. 

Do you know someone who is on the wrong path? Are they struggling because of decisions that they have made? Could you point them in the right direction? 

Psalm 121 is such a beautiful chapter:

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber.

Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life.

The Lord will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore.”

Have a great Thursday!  Remember to watch your step, and keep your selfie on the right path.