White Water Walk
How can a white water walk remind us of God? Carol reminisces about her walk along the Niagara Gorge and God’s promises to be with us through trials.
How has God spoken to you through His creation? We would love to hear from you. Share your comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
A Land of Variety
Canada is a land filled with such a variety of natural wonders. Each region has something to fill a person with amazement and wonder at the Creator’s handiwork. There are times I have not taken the opportunity to explore these wonders and many I have not yet had the chance to visit.
I visited Niagara Falls quite a few times as a young girl, teen because family lived there. I saw the floral clock, wandered past the falls, visited the American side of the falls, and meandered through Niagara-on-the-Lake, but until 2018 never went to the White Water Walk.
hopestreamradio · Whitewater Walk
White Water Walk
One of my granddaughters worked at this location and really wanted me to take the time to see it for myself. One of her sisters offered to go with me and we set off for an afternoon adventure. The sunshine without hot temperatures meant an enjoyable walk along this section of rapids on the Niagara River. I did not know exactly what to expect as I descended over 200 feet into the gorge. The water in the river was high that year and some of the lower platforms were inaccessible due to the danger of water rushing over them. Even ones that were open but closer to the water meant the spray soaked anyone standing close to the railing.
I enjoyed a young lad hanging out with his dad, laughing when the waves soaked his pants, running back a bit and then, like an invisible arm pulled him, he headed back to the rail hoping another wave would break and spray him. I laughed with him and found myself hanging out close to the railing, anticipating the water spraying over my sandal clad feet.
Amazed At God’s Creation
As I meandered along the boardwalk, I could not help but be amazed at God’s creation and the power displayed in the rapids. I snapped photos. I paused to listen to the roar. I enjoyed watching the antics of the rushing water. I took time to read the captions and learned about class six rapids that no one can survive and those caught upstream on ice floes and could not be rescued in time.
Some of the trees on the rocky shore stuck straight out, their roots holding them precariously over the surging water. Others leaned, looking like they might collapse into the raging river, yet hung on to the rocks. Huge boulders at the water’s edge had smooth surfaces, worn flat as a table top by the centuries of wear and tear from the rapids flowing over and around them. Some of these formed quiet pools behind them but these were not the normal part of the river in this deep gorge.
A Piece About My Adventure
I look back at the photos and video clips and remember again my afternoon beside the raging river, surrounded by interesting scenery as well as a time of hanging out with a granddaughter. This also drew me into God’s Word and I wrote a piece about my adventure when I arrived home which I will share with you today. I call it simply White Water Walk.
White Water Walk
Water crashed against the boulders on the edge of the wild river, splashing cold spray high onto the walkway and soaking my sandal clad feet. It tumbled back and swirled around huge rocks. Waves leapt before the river water ate them up, folding them under only to spew them back into the air as the sun sparkled like diamonds in the spray.
The two-hundred foot high rugged cliff walls on either side of the narrow Niagara Gorge echoed the roar of the class six white water rapids and precluded conversation. The power and terror of these waters mesmerized me. A strong railing kept me from being swept away like a branch to be dashed apart by the Niagara River’s violence. A few calm rock-rimmed pools offered a reprieve and contrast from the turbulent waters.
Life’s circumstances, with their crashing waves of adversity and hidden boulders, sometimes threaten to destroy all hope and tranquility. The tough stuff threatens to suck me under before throwing me against the rocks that hide calmer pools. I need to grasp the waiting hand of Jesus who offers rescue and safety in the storms of life. I cling to the promises of God found throughout the Bible like this one from:
1. This is what the Lord says, Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine
2. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
3. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour;”
I must remember this promise of security, from an unchanging God, when the waves of adversity crash into my life.
Speaking to You
How do the wonders of God’s creation speak to you? What lessons have you or are you learning from the Creator as you explore the variety of natural scenes within our country and beyond?
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. She 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.
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Image Credits
Niagara Falls – Public Domain
Niagara River – Hans
Niagara Gorge – Ray Marshall
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