Desert

​Prior to our trip to Escalante a few weeks ago I had never been to the desert. I had seen lots of pictures and movies and had heard people talk about the desert many times so I felt like I knew what to expect. I realized as we walked to our first slot canyon that there was a lot more to it than what I had envisioned.

The first thing I noticed was that there weren’t any well-marked trails or landmarks that could help you orient yourself, just red rocks and sand with a few randomly placed trees for miles in every direction. As we made our way through the slot canyons, I began to appreciate the beauty of the desert. There was something unique and intriguing in those canyons that I had never encountered before.

​During the short hike back to the car, I got to look around and check out the desert landscape. It seemed to go on forever and it felt similar to being in the middle of the ocean. Although it was gorgeous, I couldn’t help but feel a little bit of fear. There was no shade and no place to hide from the elements along with the lack of trails. I imagined myself out in the middle of the desert with the sun beating down and no idea how to get back to safety. This made me feel very small and helpless. I began to gain a tremendous respect for the desert in that moment. I knew I really didn’t stand a chance if I was lost out there.

​Despite that fear, I couldn’t get over the endless beauty the desert had to offer. It was mysterious and amazing and scary all at the same time. 

That feeling should be similar to the way I view the Lord. He is like the desert in that He is also mysterious and amazing and scary at the same time. He is more powerful than I could ever imagine and I don’t think I recognize that enough. His power makes me feel smaller and weaker than the desert ever could, but I do believe this experience gave me a chance to better recognize that feeling.
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​I have no control of my life and the outcome of each day. That scares me and it is something that I try so hard to avoid. As hard as I may try there is no avoiding the sovereignty of our God much like I could not avoid the sun’s intense rays in the desert. Thankfully that is not the only piece of God’s character that He shares with us. He also is more beautiful than we could begin to comprehend. His beauty never fades and if I truly understand that then it will be impossible not to be in awe of Him. I am thankful for the time I got to spend in Escalante and that God continues to reveal Himself to me in ways that I never expect.
 
God bless and GO VOLS.

​​​Scott Eggleston
SLF Class of 19-20