I made him promise to not go too fast. I made him promise to stay where it was safe. Not too high (I’m terrified of heights..like pass out and die of fear..afraid of heights) no steep hills, no crazy detours…you get the idea. And he said, “I promise I’ll watch out for you.” So we headed off.
Out on our four wheeling trip into the desert.
We rode slowly as I acclimated to riding again. He rode ahead and watched for cars coming over the hills when we were on roads.
He scanned the horizon for cows and bulls (which get their entertainment from charging four wheelers riding through their grazing areas).
He rode side by side with me when he could have sped ahead, matching my slower speed. And I felt comfortable and it was so much fun!
“Piece of cake!” I thought. “What was I nervous about?” I silently questioned myself. It was sunny, the skies were beautiful and the weather was perfect.
We stopped at our destination. The Petroglyphs. No one quite knows how old they are…just that they are old.
No one knows who left them or exactly why. They say there was a battle in the valley below. Was it a burial spot. A ceremonial structure. Who left the drawings..what were they like?
We discussed and pondered. Sharing our ideas on what had happened at that spot so very long ago. Enjoying our stop along the path. Talking, visiting, relishing each other’s company.
“Ready to head back?”, he asked.
We followed the path back down. Then he took a detour. He headed into the dessert, along a wash. A twinge of nervousness pricked at me.
Now we could no longer ride side by side. He had to go ahead to guide us along this narrow path. I sped up not to lose him from my sight. I had NO IDEA where I was. None. Nada. He started to go faster.
The dust began to kick up from the dry desert floor. I pulled my bandana up over my face. Up through the wash and across the desert we trekked. He took us over some hills and around a few sharp curves, the path getting narrower and narrower.
Cactus rose up on each side reaching out to grab our sweatshirts and jeans. I could feel a moment of panic well up, but also exhilaration at the freedom and vastness of the terrain. Not a soul in sight, no sign of civilization but the two of us.
I watched his back as I rode behind him. Broad, strong, capable, confident. “How does he know where he’s going?” the question kept popping up in my head. “I would be so lost. I AM so lost!” I have no clue where we are, where to go…but he kept on. Riding boldly forward through that vastness. “I trust him.” I whispered to myself..more than a few times. “He knows where the path leads, and he loves me and as long as he is with me, I am safe.”
And then…another voice whispered to me..quietly. softly.
“Just like ‘I’ am with YOU.” “Always…” “Through the wide open easy places.” “Through the narrow, rough, dry and scary places.”
“I am always here to guide you, direct you, challenge you, protect you.”
And I relaxed. I looked up to enjoy the wild, untamed beauty on my journey.
Knowing.
Knowing that my husband loved me more than life itself and would NEVER let anything harm me.
Knowing that my Shepherd and Savior loved me more than life itself…and died for me…and would always be there to comfort, protect and guide me through the wide open smooth paths in life and through the narrow, rough, desolate paths in life.
“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16
I am his bride.
I am HIS bride.
And they love me. Amen.
As I was reading through i was thinking of my comment. Now that I am done reading my comment has changed to Beautiful. What a beautifully written post! Enjoy this Sunday (and every day)
Beautiful post and amazing photos. I truly enjoyed reading this. 🙂
Perfect post. Hugs, Marty
Happy Sunday Heather. You are blessed.
Amen, Heather! Sinful humans that fail Him daily, yet He loves us! I am so grateful!
We are starting a special series today on our “Take 5 with Kathy” Sunday posts. It is about how we as ladies compare ourselves to others and how Satan uses that to trap us. We are asking God to use Kathy’s thoughts and words in a powerful way to help ladies.
Have a great week!
Hi Tanya, so grateful as well for His love. Headed over to read Kathy’s post.
Heather, I write this with misty eyes as I reflect on my own journeys of trust — both with my wonderful husband and my faithful God. The imagery you used is beautiful. May we never forget how very blessed we both are!
Great post! Looks like an amazing trip!
Thank you for the blessing…
Lorraine
All I can add is Amen.
How lovely . . . the scenery . . . the excitement and adventure and the love. What a beautiful picture of your life as the bride to your wonderful husband and your Savior. Made me tear up . . . my hubby is away for ten days and I especially missed him today.
Wonderful photos and post. My husband has shown me over the years a glimpse of how the Lord loves me. We(you and I) are truly blessed!
I loved how you pulled in the ‘bride’ concept and also the whispered words, great writing and story… I do think my fear would have been high too.
Very well written!
A most beautiful journey!
BEAUTIFUL post Heather!
Beautifully written important message
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and story! So very well written.
Amen!