Still breaking

I’ve been spending most days finding new hikes, and Colorado does not disappoint. I have not been spending time writing, as evidenced by the lack of words in this post.

Everyone who goes someplace beautiful tries to share it by taking pictures and then tells you the pictures don’t do it justice, and that is the truth here too. It’s true because in photos you don’t feel the smallness the photographer feels, and that is such a big part of the beauty.

I spent two days in Red Rock Canyon, one at a popular tourist spot that was a lot more beautiful after I found the dirt trails and left the paved, manicured sight-seeing area. Visitor Centers are not my thing.

The next day I went with my daughter-in-law and granddaughter to Pulpit Rock and almost had a panic attack watching Olivia run toward the edge. Fortunately, her mother is faster than she is and knows Olivia’s penchant for sprinting toward danger. What is it with four-year-olds and cliffs?

Later that day I found myself farther down Red Rock Canyon trying to follow trails that were under “reclamation.” Whole sections were blocked and I used the AllTrails app to keep myself in the general vicinity of where I wanted to be.

As I walked I wondered what it is that makes this dry, harsh place beautiful? There are only scrubby evergreen-type trees clinging to what little soil can be found, thin brown grasses, and rock.

I think the beauty comes from how raw and honest it is. There is nothing fake here, only what can survive and isn’t that a lesson for us today? To stop trying to make life look like something it’s not? No matter how rugged, how barren, there is beauty to be found.

Yesterday I drove up the North Cheyenne Canyon to hike the Seven Bridges Trail and it was my favorite one yet. The trail follows North Cheyenne Creek and crosses it seven times, hence the name.

Even the drive up is amazing.

If you ever want to be reminded of how small you are, how little space you occupy on this planet, come to Colorado.

But also be reminded that the God who made all of this has numbered every hair on your head (Matthew 10:30). He knows your name and everything about you (John 10:3). He holds you in the palm of his hand (John 10:28-29).