"And If You Wait Your Turn, You'll See Ruby Fall(s) . . ."

Psalm 36:9
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.


It is the 1960s.  Dad is driving us on our annual pilgrimage to see our family in Massachusetts.  This time, however, instead of shooting straight through, he decides to take us through the Great Smoky Mountains along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

As we head north through rural Georgia, my brother, Bill, and I are fascinated by the advertisements we see painted on, of all unusual places - barns.  "See Rock City", "See Ruby Falls", the messages beckon.  Their bold colors and gigantic lettering grab our attention and peak our curiosity.

 

"Where's Rock City?"  Bill asks.

"And, Ruby Falls?" I chime in.

"They're in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Lookout Mountain," Dad answers.

"Can we go there?  Please?  Please?"

"Not this trip," Dad tells us, "but another time, I promise."

And, as he always does, Dad keeps his word.

Bill and I have a grand time at Rock City with its touted view of seven states and its swinging bridge.

But, our favorite attraction by far is the famed Ruby Falls.

 At 145 feet high, it is the largest underground waterfall in America.  Following our tour guide, we wind our way through dimly lit passages.  It is our first time being in a cave, and we are beside ourselves with excitement.  Even though it is summer, the air inside the cave is cool and refreshing.  The limestone walls are cold and moist to the touch.

When we finally reach the huge cavern hosting the falls, I am initially disappointed.  The area is dimly lit, unlike the photo above.  How we are going to view what we came all this way to see?

Our guide makes sure everyone in our group is facing the falls.  And, then . . .

 WOW!!!

Better than fireworks on the fourth, rainbow colors explode in the cavern, transforming Ruby Falls into a breathtaking spectacle.  The cascading water captures and reflects each and every hue.  And, wonder of wonders, the light seems to come not from high-powered lamps, but from the very falls themselves!

And, in its light, I am seeing light.  True light.  For the first time . . .
~
What is your favorite natural wonder?

Will you join me in prayer?
Thank You, Father, for being our fountain of life and the light by which we see light.  May we ever be in awe of Your marvelous creation, and be good stewards in caring for it.  Thank You for giving us this beautiful earth in which we live.  Amen.