Colca: An invitation

The Canyon opens her grand stage. She gifts a space worthy of her magnificence.

The Condor plays in gratitude to Mother Earth.

We are grateful for the performance—the gift to those who are full-hearted enough to bravely and respectfully enter the wide-open space.

We enter.

We bravely venture into the space and make ourselves small enough to step into the openness and allow Her to envelope us.

We, with out full, grateful hearts, bask in the stillness.

We see her walls and depth. We admire her beauty fearfully; seeing the challenge that lies all around us.

We are challenged.

Humbled

Reminded of our small, small place in this wide open space

She helps us check our ego, humble ourselves so that when we arrive at her stream we are again filled with gratitude

for the cool life-giving water

that not only fills us but creates life all around.

The current is a mover and a shaker, breaking through and creating life. She allows us to just barely dip in, tape into the new life.

“Like a deer that yearns for living streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God…” (psalm 42)

Today I very humbly and lightly gave thanks, glory and praise to you, God.

For I witnessed where your hands touch the earth.

The canyon walls and their colors.

The miraculous oasis

The sun and clouds and blue, open sky

And then, Mother, you gifted me stars!

So, so many stars descending through the night sky to touch the tops of the earth.

Mother, you wished me a sweet sleep and big dreams.

That’s what the canyon does.

Just like a mother reminds her daughter she is special and loved.

It’s an invitation to enter a space for big dreams and bright, full possibility.

We only need to look up.

 Some snapshots of the adventure.
Lauren and I spent three days hiking in El Cañon del Colca (Colca Canyon) during our mid-year break. Peruvian schools have about a week of holiday for Fiestas Patrias (independence days).

Glory and praise to our God!
For good times with a greater friend
All in the glory of God´s creation