“Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:25-27)

I love when spiritual truths are confirmed in the physical life. This proverb was playing over and over in my mind when we visited the Grand Canyon on Wednesday.

In our prior research of the Grand Canyon, we learned that it has two visitor centers with trails, etc.–one on the south rim and one on the north rim. Most people go to the south rim because it has more civilized trails, amenities, and it’s much closer. But the north rim draws less of a crowd, has better views, and not to mention the trails are more…interesting. This planted the idea in my beloved husband’s mind that we must drive to the north rim. Never mind the fact that it takes 3.5 hours to get there.

I must admit, though, that even during the drive, the views did not disappoint. When we finally arrived at the canyon, our jaws hit the floor. Amazing.

Here, the kids pose from a safe perch near the parking lot of the visitor center.

After being charged with Junior Ranger instructions, we set off on our hike–but first another 45 minutes in the car to get to the trailhead. Now, I didn’t know what to expect as far as safety measures go. Were there guardrails? Paved paths? I had read that each year several people die at the Grand Canyon by falling. But it is a national park. How dangerous could it be?

It didn’t take long to realize just how dangerous it is. As soon as we got out of the car we found a spot to take a quick family picture. Gorgeous backdrop, but no paved path, and definitely no guardrail. The longer we stayed on this cliff, the faster my heart beat and the more my palms sweat. If you looked over the edge, you could barely see the bottom of the canyon. But we did manage to snap a photo before I had a panic attack.

I probably would have handled it much better if we didn’t have curious children underfoot. For the first time in my life, I wished we had them all on tethers. Notice where I’m positioned in the picture–closest to the edge. I wanted to see everyone and be sure that no one was too close. That edge was not one you would tumble down if you went over; it was a sheer dropoff to the bottom over 4000 feet down.

This relatively short experience on the cliff set my mind spinning with so many thoughts of God. How vast the Grand Canyon is, and yet He created it and the earth that holds it with the words of His mouth! Looking out over the chasm terrified me. It is downright dangerous, and I feared and respected the Lord in a whole new way that day. Once our feet were on safer ground, it drove me to be utterly thankful for His protection and His mercy.

You can imagine my relief when we began our hike on a paved path which at times even included guardrails. People were laughing at me as I walked around saying how much I like guardrails. Still, I held onto Jeremy’s hand for dear life.

When we walked out onto this rock, named Angels’ Window, Peter, Jeremy and I sat on a rock away from any edge. Peter, who had a healthy fear of the edges, said, “That’s good God put this rock here so we can be safe.” Then Jeremy wisely stated that “You don’t have to be afraid because Jesus is protecting us. And Jesus is way bigger than you because He made this whole place.” Such an apt reminder from the little guy.

Jake and Derek were considerably less fearful. I’m not sure what to think about that right now.

And sweet, trusting little Ruthie perched in her spot on Daddy’s back.

We plan to return next week, only this time to the south rim, with the Goldings. And we plan to watch the path of our feet and not turn to the right or to the left.