Big Bend National Park, Texas
I have been to Hot Springs, Arkansas. That town has built an industry
around their hot springs, and if you have ever been to Yellowstone, you
know that there are dangerous hot springs there. However, in the
brochures that I have seen of these places of healing and relaxation, there
have always been only one or two people in the pools and they seem to
be having a private moment.
Therefore, I was most surprised when we hiked up the trail on a mild day
in February and found a very small pool, with a seemingly
disproportionate number of people relaxing in the morning sun. Some
came prepared for the event with towels and swimwear, while others
took a more spontaneous approach, slipping in wearing their t-shirt and
shorts, but it was not their attire that fascinated me.
No, it was how quickly the group accepted whomever arrived and
included them in the conversation. There were all ages of people there,
from toddlers to grandparents, all shapes of people, and people from a
variety of places.
People shared their journeys of where they were from and the roads they
had taken to get there and not one person proverbially rolled his eyes or
ignored the person sharing their story. We had gathered in the desert to
sit in healing and soothing waters, to take the time to absorb the
moment. It was a holy moment. It was Church.
Prayer:
God of Healing and comfort, Please help us to recognize the sacred
moments in our life when they present themselves and teach us to
practice leaning into them. Amen
Wanda Kidd