Luke 16:26b

"... between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us."

With the stroke of His finger, God carved the splendor of the Grand Canyon. Whether a six-day creationist or an intelligent design evolutionist, the hand of God's artistry upon His earth cannot be disputed, "For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created." (Revelation 4:11b) The enormous chasm from one plateau to the other is insurmountable to cross.

In another geographic locale of Arizona, God sculpted the vortexes of red sand stones as if He were playing with blocks and marbles, trying to balance one on top of the other with perfect precision. Many of my fellow Boomer new-agers believe their crystals can be re-energized if placed near or on top of these precipices. Where these notions are derived dumbfounds me. I've wondered though what it might be like to ascend and then stand on such a summit, considering that no one could reach me, nor me them. Nothing between me or anything else but space and the gravitational pull to touch the souls of my feet to these perceived soul-filling peaks.

I've also often wondered whether I haven't carved similar crevices, similar mountain tops between me and others. Though surrounded by people, I live a life of mental isolation, sometimes intentional, oftentimes not. Who can know the mind of man, the mass of whom "lead lives of quiet desperation"? (Henry David Thoreau) I've always loved solitude, but it's come at a great cost, not only to myself, but most of all to others. From a distance the view of my Sir Hillary feat seems impressive, almost unattainable. But what's known by me and me alone (but for God) is the longing for community. Numbers are not what I crave, but rather a sense of belonging in a place where I want to give, and I also welcome to receive. Isn't that what the rich ruler desired after seeing Lazarus in the bosom of Abraham? If this is a foretaste of hell, then I certainly want nothing of it.