Tender Grace by Jackina Stark

Author:Jackina Stark
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2009-01-31T20:00:00+00:00

I wrote Willa earlier this evening and told her I had just arrived at the Grand Canyon and that I’d probably be at her house Friday evening, but not to plan dinner for me, because I couldn’t tell her what time I would arrive.

I wrote the kids an update, and I wrote Rita, checking in before she leaves on her trip and wanting to tell her the story of my trip to Yaki Point.

Then I wrote Andrew: “I’m fine. And I forgave you long ago.”

September 5

There wasn’t a cloud in sight this morning!

I arrived at the observation point while it was still dark and found a spot in front of the iron railing. I wasn’t the first to arrive, and I was glad I could still find an unhindered view. Standing there, I found it fascinating that I was one of only a few English-speaking tourists. I identified at least four other languages, the most prevalent, Japanese and German. When the light that precedes the sun made an appearance, talking in any language ceased, everyone’s eyes intent upon the horizon and what it had to say, rather than on those around them. Most people had brought cameras and video recorders, some setting them meticulously on tripods, but a few of us came with nothing except expectancy. We looked first at the ridge from where the sun would emerge any moment to the canyon walls on the opposite side, which the sun would soon illuminate. A heavy gilded curtain parting for the most venerated performance on the most impressive stage in the world could not have produced more anticipation. We longed for the sun to make its entrance, and when it did, we gasped, almost in unison.

I leaned against the rail, taking in nature’s opulence, and whispered, “Magnificent Lord, thank you for this gift.” Only a sense of social decorum kept me from lifting my arms to heaven and singing the chorus of “How Great Thou Art”!

As it was, a Chinese lady looked at me tentatively, as though she was sizing up my mental state. She seemed somewhat relieved, I think, when I said nothing else but merely smiled at her. That smile must have been something because it served to catapult me into a photography session. She asked me with amazingly effective hand motions and body language to take a picture of her and her husband and son, the canyon glorious behind them. It was my pleasure. And before I left the lookout point, I had snapped at least ten pictures of happy couples and families, and one of a lady from Germany, alone like I, who wanted a record of her being here. She seemed to sense I would understand that.

I watched her walk away and hoped sleepyhead friends were waiting for her back at a lodge. But even if they weren’t, she’d seen a brilliant sunrise over the Grand Canyon.

When the sun was well into the sky, I went back to my room and made myself presentable before getting the car and driving out of the park to pick up a personal pan pizza.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.