I thought my upbringing in the unforgiving heat of West Texas might have prepared me for the Atacama desert; I was mistaken. Texas has nothing on this place. My group took a vacation day to San Pedro last Sunday and let me tell you first off, San Pedro looks exactly like some pre-1970 Western movie set. I mean I was half expecting Steve McQueen to jump off a roof and start gunning for Eli Wallach! (Look it up.) I mean this place was in the middle of nowhere! But the adventure was only beginning; we decided to rent a fleet of sub-par quality mountain bikes and head into the desert. We saw some great sites, including what appeared to be an abandoned town on the other side of a river absolutely full of meadow-muffins! (Look it up.) Here’s a tip- if you stick your bandana in such a river with the intent of wrapping it around your neck, so as to stay cool in 96-degree heat, don’t forget to NOT put said bandana over your nose and mouth moments later . . . Anyways, the group eventually split up.
At first, four of us opted to ride for this place simply known as “The Tunnel.” But lo and behold I, the lead biker, soon looked back and discovered no sign of my chums. Lacking the energy to turn back and determine what the hold-up was, I pressed forward. I found myself alone for about an hour. Being low on water, I did the smart thing and pressed forward. During this hour I got to experience exactly how desolate Mars really was. There was no water for miles, no birds, snakes, or gnats- absolutely no sign of life, no shade, and lots of salt. I met two Canadians, and being the jokesters they were, told me my destination was a mere five minutes away, knowing full well I’m sure that it was actually closer to 40. Dehydrated and alone, I naturally found this hilarious. Nevertheless, I soldiered on. And after what seemed like forever, I looked up and saw the entrance to what could only be the precious shade I sought. I threw down my bike and stepped into the darkness. For the first ten seconds I felt something like what Harrison Ford must have felt when he and Connery stepped into the canyon in search of the Holy Grail. (Look it up.) I sat down, ate my one remaining apple, and began to dread the long return to civilization. But then a beautiful, comforting thought came to me . . . “I’m not really alone at all.” And I thought to myself, “What better time and place to talk to God?”
I thought about the rocks around me, and how the Bible says that even the rocks will cry out to God if we are silent. (Luke 19:40) I thought about how only God Himself could use such a mundane lifeless object for His glory. Only a divine Creator could create something so harsh and desolate yet at the same time, remarkably beautiful. For 20 minutes I merely admired His work, until I was interrupted by the unmistakable voices of my companions approaching in the distance. With them came water, and the motivation necessary to make it back to San Pedro.
I’ve always used the word “desert” to describe times in my life where I don’t feel close with God. But God used my trek through the desert to show me that He is always with us, even in the most hostile situations, and that He will provide refuge in the most inhospitable places. When we are thirsty, He will fill our cups. He is faithful, He is good.
So this week has been pretty DOPE (I put “dope” in all caps to keep it fresh.) There is so much more to tell, but that will have to wait until a later blog. Until then vale, et Deus benedicat. (Look it up).
