Zion National Park was one of my favorite places on the journey to Montana.  We arrived in the rain on a late afternoon and got to experience the beauty of ethereal light and wetness through the canyon.  While I love the sienna colors in the sunlight, I treasured as well this first impression of Zion looming with an intriguing mystery.

The next morning brought a beautiful silhouette of these giant rocks I like to call cathedrals.

As we entered the canyon at the dawn of a new day, I heard the voice of the American Indian speaking an ancient truth, “There are stories here that remind us of who we are and where we came from.  Listen for them.”  I wanted to hear the stories within these cathedral walls!  They were captivating in their spiritual nature.

Three peaks called the “Court of Patriarchs” were named after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob of the Old Testament by a United Methodist minister and three local boys.

As we walked along the river trail at the base of the canyon, I happened upon a child named Lily.

She was creating something in the dirt along the path and I had to stop and watch.  I introduced myself and asked if I might take her picture.  She was happy for me to do that, but she never stopped working.  She told me she was building a home for a beetle.

I got down on my knees so I could watch closely.  She was quite intent in her careful and imaginative creation of this home.  I wanted to get inside her mind and hear the story.  In the shadows of these magnificent cathedrals, this little girl poured out her passion for one of God’s smallest creatures.  She made for the beetle a place called home.  I remembered the words of the Native American.  Suddenly this rush came inside of me…I felt I got a glimpse of who I am and where I came from!

That evening we found an isolated artsy place in the desert to have dinner.  I especially loved the painted horses on the outside wall…

And finally…

Chocolate desserts always need to be shared!

nk