Gravel Roads to Writing Waterfalls
by Tina Yeager
“Unless the Lord had given me help,
I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’
your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy”
Waterfall exploration thrills my soul and refills my creative inkwell. While plenty of beautiful hikes await nearby, two years of busyness have confined me to the valley. I often sighed at the distant ridgeline and told myself, “Maybe next month.”
Tedious demands starved my soul of inspiration. My mind craved the rushing sounds of majesty. My heart yearned for the kiss of mist on my face. I ached for a chance to breathe in the Creator’s intimate scents while immersed in the embrace of creation.
One day, I escaped my office and headed for higher ground. The northward route led to a rural road where the pavement ended. The unshouldered, single lane offered little to no clearance. I wondered if another vehicle might have been more suited to this adventure.
The path’s loose gravel surface undulated over potholes, slowing my speed to a white-knuckled crawl. Thick foliage blocked my view as I climbed sharp hills and careened around hairpin curves. The final stretch of the journey to the falls proved the longest three and a half miles I’d ever driven.
I reached a stretch of packed dirt with just enough room for my car to slide in alongside a few others. I tromped into the forest for a steep climb. Roots webbed the narrow, rocky trail. Tangled foliage obscured my goal, but the voice of rushing water whispered its promises to encourage me. Then, a switchback set with timbers led downward.
At last, I stepped onto a mid-stream boulder and stood before a magnificent reward. Rejuvenation cascaded over a lofty rock wall and gushed toward me. Sunlight bejeweled the falls and its misted surroundings. In the glory and peace of the sight, in the roar and the whisper of the sound, my Creator’s nature met the needs of my soul and affirmed my purpose.
Ah, this was why I came. Why I drove that uncertain road. Why I scaled that steep mountainside. It was more than worth the journey.
Our writing busyness can easily starve us of meaningfulness and motivation. Diverging from our paved routines to pursue the fullness of God’s will presents challenges. We doubt ourselves. Risks raise our uncertainty. Perils rattle us.
But even when we question this journey, the Lord remains with us the entire way. And no matter how narrow the road seems, he has a place prepared for us.
His promises remain true, as mighty roars and loving whispers over our souls. He will meet us in his glory and place our feet on a solid rock. His living water will kiss mist onto our faces and gush rejuvenation into our spirits. The Creator will meet the needs of our souls. And of our writing call.
Yes, this is why we follow the narrow, difficult road of his will. And it is more than worth the journey.
Lord, thank you for making my way, even when the road seems uncertain from my perspective. I’m so grateful for your presence. Please continue to encourage me and help me remain confident of the magnificent goal to which you’re leading me. Amen.
Award-winning author, speaker, life & purpose coach, Tina hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast a YouTube channel, and the Flourish Today radio show. Founder of Divine Encouragement Academy, she serves with STRUCK the Series Streaming TV show and Word Weavers International. To connect with her, visit tinayeager.com.
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4 Comments
I’m a hiker too. I so get it!
I’m so glad this experience resonates!
I truly love your descriptive writing. I felt as though I was in the seat next to you. This place sound like it is truly the creators masterpiece. Bravo!
Thank you so much, Jeanne! I think I would have enjoyed the ride more if you had been there, my friend. 🙂