Hemmed-In Hollow from Compton Trailhead
9/13/13
Distance: 5 Miles Out and Back
Terrain: 2,000 Foot Elevation Gain
Features: Forest, River, Waterfall, Mountains, Wildflowers
Wildlife: Snakes, Spiders, Turtles, Hawks, Squirrels and Skinks
Not About Me
by Sarah Anderson
John 3:30 "He must become greater; I must become less."
The Hemmed-In Hollow trail has year-round accessibility and can be hiked from the river or from the Compton Trailhead. Starting from the trailhead, we descended the steep and narrow path. The trail was rocky and had various wildlife including huge spiders and colorful snakes. Though I don't favor these particular creatures, they have their place and purpose in the world. Without them, we'd be overrun with bugs and mosquitoes. An ecosystem needs all types of creatures to contribute to its health and function. In the same way, our faith will grow when it is challenged by those with different perspectives. All types of people are essential for a healthy church body. It's a gentle reminder to not surround ourselves with only what or whom seems most agreeable.
We are built for community, and community thrives in diversity. We are to encourage, sharpen and love each other. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Life is meant to be shared, and we are to live in harmony with one another (Romans. 12:16). Life is not about getting our own way because life is not about us.
In the final turn, we reached the base of the hollow to behold the most magnificent sight. A 250 foot cliff towered over us, brushing the blue heights above. In spring and summer, water cascades over the rocky face making it the largest waterfall between the Rocky and Appalachian mountains. But in early autumn, only a few lines of water trickled over the edge. A quiet mist rose from the base and rainbow prisms cut through the air. All was silent, our conversation cut short in a gasp of surprise.
In moments like these, we experience spiritual vertigo. We catch a glimpse of how big the world is, and even bigger the God who created it. We suddenly realize how small we really are in the whole scheme of life. How little our comforts and opinions seem in comparison to the One who created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them (Genesis 1:1). Yet even before this mountain wall was formed, He loved us. Ephesians 1:4-5 says, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-" This big, awesome Creator isn't far off and unreachable. He is personal and close. He is a Father seeking the love of His children because in His grace, He chose us to be so. We are built for community because God desires to commune with us. Life is meant to be shared not just with our fellow man, but also in sweet union with Jesus.
When we are dwarfed by His greatness and in true awe of His extravagant love, how could we possibly think life is about us?
Lord, forgive me when I become so near-sighted that I miss the grandeur of Your love. Creation gives evidence of how great You truly are. Who am I in light of Your glory? Yet in Your perfection You did not abandon me to my sins. You rescued me and called me child. Forgive me for not living each moment in thanksgiving for my salvation! Rid me of selfishness so I can love others as You have loved me. Rid me of self-centeredness so I can love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. Forgive me for living for my own desires. Life is not about me, but about You. Because in You alone, there is life. Amen.