The Watchman

This time of year brings fall break and fall break to me is hiking and camping in Zion National Park.  From the middle of October to the middle of November, you can walk along the Virgin River and watch the leaves change from their summer green to the golds and reds of autumn.

 

As a child, we would often sing in church a hymn titled "Israel, Israel, God Is Calling".  The refrain of this song repeats the phrase "Come to Zion, come to Zion".  Zion is promised to be a place where the Lord can be found and the individual is encouraged to rejoice as "Zion's walls shall ring with praise."

I think of the joy our family has found within these canyon walls, I know that we have been able to draw closer together and the memories and connections we have created here have been the good times that have helped us through the hard times.  We have rejoiced.

Zion National Park has been home to many.  While these individuals had diversity of culture, they all shared a belief in the sacredness of this place.  Its beauty is a testament to a loving Heavenly Father who wants His children to be happy and find joy and peace.

At the entrance to Zion National Park stands one of the more distinctive features of the canyon; The Watchman.  At its base is the campground that bears the same name.  Many mornings I have sat by our fire and watched as the sun revealed this majestic peak and at night I have tucked by children nestled at its feet.  To me the name calls to mind that hymn from my childhood.  

I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father who is watching over me.  He wants me to be happy and has provided a way for me to find that happiness.  I am grateful everyday for that knowledge and the peace and joy it brings to my life.  

To learn more about the joy found in God's light, click here.