Devotional 3-31-09

During this time of Lent, in a quest for renewing the spirit, my husband Phil and I, headed to one of our favorite spots, Hocking Hills State Park. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this picturesque 2,000 acre region in S.E. Ohio, it is an area with deep gorges, towering hemlocks, glistening waterfalls, and pristine sandstone cliffs. Phil and I have visited Hocking Hills two other times, but this trip touched us in a way, which none other has.

After two short days of hiking, picnics, and relaxing by the fire in our cabin, unfortunately, we were both called back to reality early. Our companies both needed us to return to Cincinnati to address timely issues at work. Reluctantly, we packed the car and headed down the hill toward home. About 10 minutes into the trip, Phil passed a small sign to ‘Conkle’s Hollow,’ and said, ‘Kelley, let’s take an hour and walk one more trail before we head back.’ You see, both of our jobs are stressful, as most are these days, and we find such comfort in seeing the beauty of God’s work. I was reluctant, as I was consumed with corporate issues now, but Phil turned the car around to Conkle’s Hollow…a place we have never been, and now one, we will never forget.
As we began the Conkle’s Hollow hike, we had to quickly decide whether to take the ½ mile bottom trail that led through the base of the gorge, or the 2.5 mile trail that led around the top rim of the Hollow. Despite warnings about the condition of the upper trail (black ice and a thin layer of snow) we opted for the longer hike, thinking the view would be much more picturesque. It certainly was ‘the Lord’s doing; it was marvelous in our eyes.’ (Psalm 118:23) Phil and I stopped several times to take in the wonder. We even discussed our loved ones who have passed before us, wondering what magnificence they are seeing in Heaven. It undoubtedly pales in comparison. The hike was a bit treacherous in places, but with walking stick in hand, hiking boots, and deliberate steps, we safely made our way around the top rim.

We then headed to the car, but were somehow drawn back toward taking the ½ mile bottom trail before we left. Once again, we turned around. It certainly would not be as beautiful, but it was only a short walk and we both felt a need to take ‘the road less traveled.’ About ¾ of the way through the gorge, there was a sign warning us of a more challenging/hazardous walk ahead. I was reluctant and wanted to head back, but Phil, the adventurous one, convinced me to walk on. Unlike the upper rim, where we continually ‘looked down’ through the gorge, this trail forced us to continually ‘look up.’ As we took a left turn around a large fallen, sandstone rock, about 60 feet up, on the sandstone wall, was the most perfect image of a face; one we both knew well. Neither one of us spoke; we were just mesmerized by the sight. Not painted, not sculpted, non man-made, but nature’s own marking in the sandstone was what we believe, was the face of Jesus. Neither one of us questioned the image, but instead, was taken by the fact, that there were markings like tears, coming from the eyes. ‘A weeping Jesus,’ were the only words Phil spoke to me. The image broke my heart.

After taking in the sight we looked to the opposite side of the gorge, where we saw another breathtaking formation. Were they connected? Two large trees had fallen below a frozen waterfall and they formed the most perfect cross…approximately 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. We wouldn’t have noticed the trees, if the waterfall had not frozen over them, perfectly outlining the edges. The interior of the cross was relatively water-free, creating a space where Jesus would hang, if seen in a church. To add to its beauty, sunlight was glistening on the ice, resulting in a seemingly glowing cross. My husband, who is much more realistic, and skeptical of things like this, never questioned this sight either. When I asked him if this was just a coincidence, he said, ‘I don’t see how it could be. They are what they are.’

Was Jesus crying opposite the cross, where he was continually reminded of his crucifixion? We were so overwhelmed by it all. We both decided, no matter how rough life becomes, no matter how stressful our lives, we will keep ‘looking up’ remembering the sacrifice of Jesus. Those tears will be with me forever.

To our surprise, our journey was not over yet. On our return hike, approaching from the opposite side of the cross and face, we could see the rear side of the fallen sandstone rock at our feet. Proving that others had also stopped to revel in the sights, the words, ‘God,’ ‘God is Love,’ and ‘Jesus,’ were written in the snow on the stone. But, overshadowing those markings were two words that stopped us in our tracks. ‘SATAN RULES,’ was also written in the snow on that rock. Immediately I was taken back to the crucifixion and the resurrection. I thought of the stone that was rolled away three days after the crucifixion. I thought of those who mocked Jesus….and ‘Satan Rules’ prove they continue to do so today. The tears took on another meaning to me now. It wasn’t just the cross on the opposite wall of the gorge, but also the continued crucifying that God endures every day.

Our spirits were renewed on this trip. If we return in summer, I’m sure that the icy, glowing cross will not be there, and I wonder if the face of Jesus will be weathered and gone. Surely, the writings in the snow will have melted away. But, I believe we were led to that lonely trail on that winter day, even though we should have been headed home, we should have honored the warning signs regarding the treacherous nature of the trail, and we should have stopped after the upper rim walk. But, instead, we kept ‘turning around.’

What began as a trek back home to work, ended as a revelation to me. ‘It was a day the Lord had made; we rejoiced and were glad in it.’ (Psalm 118:23) When choosing other walks in life, I will choose the ones that force my head ‘up,’ remembering the sacrifice Jesus made for me. It may be the road less traveled…it may be a treacherous walk…I may even have to turn around a few times…but I will be guided to a place where my spirit is renewed…a place where I will find Jesus.

Prayer: Dear Jesus:
Walk by my side through this earthly life,
lifting my eyes so I might see,
And in those times of joy and strife,
strengthen my faith, for eternity.
Amen.

Kelley Allison Weber

Mission Reponse and Prayer Focus
March 31: If you think you and yours are sweet, give fifty cents for every bag or box of sugar in your pantry