Before our trip to the Grand Canyon for our anniversary, Ken and I had booked a morning helicopter ride. When we arrived, signed in and sat through a video of safety flying procedures, our group was ready to board the helicopter. After waiting a small amount of time, we were called to stand in line and a # 1 card was handed to me. What was this for? To be truthful, I was more concerned with meeting the other passengers. Then they walked us outside to the runway to board the helicopter.
After everyone boarded, only one seat remained, up front right next to the pilot. To my surprise and delight, that was for me! After meeting the pilot, two questions and one statement immediately popped out of my mouth. “Have you flown much? Do I have to help fly this? I can only drive a car.” He laughed, saying I could help assist him fly, and his experience was not that long. Great pilot. He had managed to calm my fears with laughter. My decision to turn down his offer of being co-pilot seemed wise to me. Later I began questioning the seat arrangements, but at that moment I was happy to be up front where this short girl could see; even if my feet did not reach the floorboard. To sit up front beside the pilot was an extra charge, but we did not pay for it. How did this happen? Thank you Jesus for the gift!
My seat allowed me to see the Canyon up close and personal. As we took off, Ken warned me of my duty to take good pictures. That was not difficult, as God’s beautiful creation provided a wealth of good landscape pictures. As we lifted off, the helicopter moved slowly away from the pad, and then started to fly quickly to the Grand Canyon. Approaching the canyon’s edge showed the many levels of rock. There were oohs and ahs coming from my headphones. Everyone was astonished by the beauty! Then our pilot said that the commentary would start in Spanish first and then in English. Sounds of appreciation came from the Spanish speaking passengers. I quietly sat back and watched the Canyon enfold in picture form before my eyes. Nothing could describe the grandeur of the Canyon. The flight was very short, but worth the memories.
The canyon layers of different colors and types of rocks, indicate a passage of time. Things that changed over the course of history. It reminded me of the “layers” of changes that happened in my life, specifically after I was saved.
When Jesus came into my life, many layers of my life were exposed. Some good layers stayed and some bad left through time. The beneficial change toward spiritual growth in Him started. I do not remember all the layer changes, but a definite restructuring process began. New people were brought into my life, and suddenly things looked very different. If my wants did not line up with my Savior, new desires suddenly appeared that were not there before. My needs were always provided by God, in His time and His way, not mine.
Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Psalm 37:4 NLT
Knowing what to let go of, and move on to, is so very important! Just like the solid rock foundations of the Grand Canyon, Jesus will be our firm foundation to provide answers to life’s questions. Just like the Colorado River wove its way around the canyon floor, temptations can weave their way into our existence. However, we make a conscious choice to follow our desires or to pursue Jesus’ plan for our lives. Also, knowing the difference between a want and a need, helps us choose between following God or others.
If your children are saved, have you and others seen a dramatic difference in their lives? Are the bad layers being pealed away and the good layers being added? Are they changing to be more like Jesus? If not, talk with them about it to find out why.
