Photo from January 2022
This scene is at Mission Trails Regional Park, on the Visitor Center Loop Trail. It’s an “easy” hike to get there, by distance. But the water in the stream reveals the results of recent rains. Those rains degraded the trail, and even made part of it impassable. I’m glad I had my trekking poles with me that day.
I may never walk this way again.
This photo is my gift to you, since you may never see this beautiful scene in person. I realize that,
because I’m not sure I will ever see it again. For one thing, the presence of water in the park comes and goes.
The trail to this scene is all downhill, which means to get back, it’s ALL UPHILL. This is why I may never walk this way again. Photography can be an extreme sport sometimes.
We started off on the trail, not knowing what scenes it would reveal. While much of the park is brown
and dotted with huge rock formations, this little oasis was quite colorful that day. I loved the scene so
much it’s been the Home Screen on my phone for a long time. Every time I pick up my phone I am reminded of that day.
Look how the clouds are reflected in the water. It was so lovely I could have stayed there longer,
contemplating the connections between nature and the wise creator still caring for creation. After living with drought for many years, the discovery of so much water in this hidden place was breathtaking.
Lectio Divina / Visio Divina
Here are some verses to think about as you contemplate this scene. For Lectio Divina, I recommend that you read each verse slowly while looking at the photo. Maybe you have other photos or scenes in real life that help you contemplate these verses. However you practice it, let the words and images sink into your soul.
Psalm 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and whose leaf
does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my
soul.
Isaiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will
strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
If you have something to share from your contemplation, add a comment or send a private message. We are all connected, and we have so much to learn from one another.
See this photo on postcards, greeting cards, stickers and more HERE.
Please excuse the gender-specific language in my quotes. While I prefer gender neutral language, I respect the publisher being quoted.
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