Bench to Bench

by Macy Johnson

“Jesus, tired as he was from the journey,

sat down by the well.”

(John 4:6 NIV)

 

While camping at Florence Marina State Park, my husband, Jeff, and I visited nearby Providence Canyon State Park. It was established in 1971 to preserve the unique scenic beauty of Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon.

 

We started out on the White Blaze Canyon Loop Trail, but had to ask other hikers the way to go. The map and signposts were vague and confusing. We soon realized we faced 2.5 miles of rugged terrain without water bottles, which we accidentally left in my vehicle.

 

After an hour my husband exclaimed, “I see a car!” I wearily looked up from the trail in hopes to glimpse civilization. I peered through the trees to notice a rusted car frame. It seemed to grow out of the foliage in the ground. I then passed another and another. We had happened upon an old car junkyard of sorts. A sign told us the history of the rusted cars and their long lost civilization.

 

I hiked onward in search of the next bench on the trail. We sat down on each one we encountered and took a few long breaths before hiking further. I turned to Jeff and said, “Life is a lot like this trail. It has to be climbed bench to bench with respites at various points along the way.” Something always sneaks up and demands my attention on the path of life. I should take full advantage of rest stops in between.

 

It was not until we left the secluded trail and stepped into a field that we could view the sixteen canyons we had crossed over. The scene was breath-takingly beautiful and worth the hike.  

 

I will rest on all the benches my heavenly Father provides along my life’s trail. I hope you will, too!