My father wanted to see the Grand Canyon before he died and tasked me with being the travel agent. So I planned an exciting adventure to Las Vegas with a day excursion to see the Grand Canyon. When my father heard about the plans, he quickly said, “I haven’t lost anything in Vegas. I want to spend the entire time at the Canyon.” My first thought was, “How long does it take to look at a hole in the ground?” I had no idea that it would be a spiritual experience.
ClampWe flew across the country, rented a car, and drove up to the South Rim. I caught a glimpse of the canyon from the car as we were parking and was awestruck, but when I walked up to the rim and stood on the edge, the experience almost took my breath away. It was one of those times in your life, when you realize just how small you are and just how great God is.
The three days were unbelievable. We saw the canyon from the top of the rim, from a pontoon ride at the base of the canyon looking up 1,000-foot sheer cliffs, and from overhead in a helicopter. Shadows of the clouds painted a picture on the canyon that only God could design. Pictures and words are inadequate to describe the experience. Unless you have been there, you won’t get it.
I could try to tell you what it is like to watch God use you to lead someone to Jesus and see their life changed, but if you haven’t been there – you won’t get it.
I could try to tell you what it is like to see a struggling child’s face light up as you help them with their homework, but if you haven’t been there – you won’t get it.
I could try to tell you what it is like to take a step in faith not knowing what is going to happen, but if you haven’t been there – you won’t get it.
As we were leaving the canyon, I noticed a small boy sitting on the ground with his back to the canyon and I was struck by what he was doing. His head was down, playing a video game. One of the wonders of the world was right in front of him, and he was playing a video game! Is that you? You may be only a step away from experiencing God work, but you are allowing trivial things to distract you. Maybe you need to slow down, look up, and let God open your eyes to a new world. I’d try to tell you what it is like, but you’ll have to experience it for yourself – and some of you are so close.
– Clamp is evangelism group director for the South Carolina Baptist Convention. Follow Lee on twitter @leeclamp or on his blog at www.leeclamp.com.