Hopewell Rocks.
Hopewell Rocks are located in the Maritimes. This marvel of God’s creation reminds Carol that we too, are created by a loving God.
Visiting the Maritimes
My dream of visiting the Maritimes which I’d had since childhood finally came true decades later. My youngest daughter and I planned the trip after she graduated high school, an amazing accomplishment with her learning disabilities.
Our ten-day excursion included Nova Scotia, especially Fortress Louisburg for my husband and Prince Edward Island with all the Anne’s Land things to see and do for Amee. But we also planned a brief journey into New Brunswick. I wanted to observe the huge fluctuations of the tide in the Bay of Fundy and walk on the ocean floor at low tide at Hopewell Rocks.
Hopewell Rocks
My husband agreed that seeing Hopewell Rocks at high and low tide would be amazing but he’d stay up top. No walking the ocean floor for him. My daughter couldn’t imagine being able to do such a thing.
Our perceptions and desires can be coloured by fear or uncertainty of the unknown. Amee couldn’t visualize Brian’s fear of water he had acquired after almost drowning three times in his life. She didn’t understand his hesitancy to experience this natural phenomenon. We all knew that logically no one would allow this activity let alone encourage unless it was safe.
High Tide
We arrived at high tide, the highest of that month with water over forty feet high lapping the rock formations. Kayaks could go through the arch but without lots of space above them. How could low tide allow people to walk down there, including through that very same arch?
We returned in the morning when the tide had gone out and noted that what had been covered by many feet of water now had the ocean floor exposed. Further out in the bay, mud flats took the place of water.
A Walk on the Ocean Floor
My husband and daughter chose to join me for a walk on the ocean floor, through the arch of rocks and along the cliff edge to look into caves in the rocks. We snapped photos to show the difference from the ones we had taken the day before. It would give us something to show that our memories weren’t embellishing the difference.
Warning would sound in plenty of time to return to the viewing platform above the highest level the water ever reached. Yet, as a distant rock began to have water lap over it, Amee almost panicked. She insisted we leave and do it now! The enjoyment ended with the first hint of changing tides.
In Awe of Our Creator
As I reflect on this experience, I am in awe of our Creator. The rise and fall of the powerful tides, the rock formations, and mud flats too are all the work of His hands.
Psalm 8: 3,4 says,
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”
God set the moon and stars in their places. The moon affects the tides we observed. Isaiah 42: 5, 6 says,
“This is what God the Lord says – he who created the heavens and stretched them out; who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it; I the Lor, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you.
God Also Created Us
God who created the heavens and controls those huge tides, also created us, loves us and holds our hands. He longs for a relationship with us, for us to trust him, and give him all our fears. He will replace them with joy and peace through his mercy and grace. Then we can see what excitement he plans for us along this journey through life. It won’t begin to compare with walking on the ocean floor. It will be far above that.
Ephesians 3: 20, 21 says,
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
How do you enjoy God’s creation? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Carol Harrison
Listen to Carol’s program Puzzle Pieces Of Life or visit Carol’s website carolscorner.ca
Carol Harrison B.Ed is a speaker and published author with one book, Amee’s Story and stories in twelve anthologies. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and ability levels find their voice and reach their fullest potential.
She knows, through personal experience that some of life’s experiences are tougher than others. Carol encourages people that even in the twists and turns of life God’s amazing grace provides hope.
She lives in Saskatoon, SK with her husband Brian. They have four adult children and a dozen grandchildren.
More Podcasts Below:
More Blogs:
I Am the Resurrection and the Life
Images courtesy of:
Hopewell Rocks – Maciej
Hopewell Rocks – Tango7174
Leave a Reply