We had just left our car in the parking lot at Rimrock Overlook, in
the Allegany National Forest in Pennsylvania, and were heading down to
the lookout for a spectacular view. We then planned to descend the
stairs from the lookout to the bottom of the lookout rock to explore the
hiking trails of the area. As we approached the lookout, a lady was just
coming up the stairs. Obviously winded, she stopped for a moment to
catch her breath, and then she asked if she was almost to the parking
lot. We assured her she was.
"Good!" She wheezed. "Don't go
further than the bottom of the stairs! The path is not worthwhile,
believe me. The best view is from the bottom of those stairs."
She seemed relieved to have delivered her warning, and she continued on
to the parking lot muttering, "No farther than the steps! Otherwise you
have an uphill climb all the way back!"
She looked so
disappointed that we couldn't help but feel sorry for her. It seems she
had expected much more at the foot of these cliffs, but when her
expectations had not been met, she quickly retreated to her usual
surroundings, determined to never return.
Many in life go looking
for love. Unfortunately their expectations are in conflict with what
they seek. First, many look for love in all the wrong places, seeking
this craved emotion where human self-interest is at its prime. Others
test the waters concerning the divine love they've heard about once or
twice when they've attended church. Many of these people leave
disillusioned as well. They may have not been greeted at the door with
open arms in the way they thought they should have been, or the offering
plate may have look more like a business transaction than a place to
find love. Lost among those who are supposed to love unconditionally,
they conclude that the view is much better outside of the church. At
least there it is expected that everyone be indifferent.
Why did
the lady at Rimrock Overlook become disheartened? Because the paved way
had stopped at the bottom of the stairs and she was met with a trail
that was rocky and steep. Despite her assessment of the trail, it
actually looked inviting to us and we followed it. It led down to the
Kinzua Bay, or the Kinzua River, depending on the direction you decided
to take. It was true that the path was far from level. In fact it was
rather steep as you climbed down to the level of the water. But the
experience of getting to the river itself was well worth the effort,
even on the return climb, which was all uphill! Why? Because we were
surrounded by the beauty of fall and we could indeed feel the presence
of God!
"When I came, why was there no one? When I called, why
was there no one to answer? Was my arm too short to deliver you? Do I
lack the strength to rescue you?" (Isa 50:2, NIV2)
Too often our
expectations get in the way of finding genuine love. Have we come just
for paved paths? Are we solely interested in how certain groups of
people react in church? (Remember it was the "religious" who crucified
Jesus. These are still numerous on our planet!) Or are we after the
everlasting, selfless love of God, who willingly sacrificed Himself on a
cross for you and me, so that we could fully experience Him once again?
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with
unfailing kindness." (Jer 31:3, NIV2)
The path down to the river
is truly worthwhile! Don't let a bit of steep, rocky trail stop you!
Rob Chaffart
No Farther. The Question About Love, Part 2
Today's Bible Verse:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with
unfailing kindness." (Jer 31:3)
No Farther. The Question About Love, Part 2
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