1000

1000.

That's appoximately how many feet deep Tallulah Falls Gorge is from top to bottom.  Considered one of the seven natural wonders of Georgia, the base reveals raging waters, spraying mists and glistening rocks.  And we had the privilege of seeing it all yesterday as we trekked our way up to the North Georgia Mountains.

Following a sharp descent of hundreds of stairs, we found ourselves at the bottom of the gorge.  In front of us was Hurricane Falls, the largest boasting waterfall in the park.  And all around us, beauty stamped with the design of its Maker.

 

Then it was time to turn around and go back up.  Time to ascend this hill to the top of the gorge.  There was more.  Much more for us to see and experience during our little field trip this fall.

 

1000. 

That's how many total steps one must be willing to climb in order to embrace the majesty of Tallulah Falls.

My girls and I were willing.  As a matter a fact, we braved each and every one of those intimidating steps.  With no whining.  No complaining.  No belly-aching.  Just a quick stop every now and then to rest on a bench as we made our way up.  And surprisingly, my five year old led us the whole way.

 

As we neared the top of the steepest and longest incline of stairs, my youngest asked,
"Which way do we go, Mommy?  To the left or the right?"

Map in hand, I stopped and showed my girls the direction in which we needed to go.  Our adventure continued as we navigated the rim trails by following the way set out before us. 

A couple of times we were tempted to veer off the path and head in other directions.  But if we had, we might not have made it to our destination--where we really needed to go.  We might have missed out on the awe-inspiring views surrounding us.

"Stop at the crossroads and look around; ask for the ancient paths.

Where is the good way?

Then walk in it and find a resting place for yourselves."

Jeremiah 6:16 (CEB)

 

 

From the highest of heights and the varying overlook points, we witnessed the wonder of five different cascading waterfalls.  They were powerful.  And constant.  And unpredictable.

1000.

 

That's the minimum number of things I am grateful for in my life right now and from this trip to Tallulah Falls. 

 

We came.  We saw.  We climbed.

 

And going from one extreme to the next in the midst of the gorge, prompted this response:



 

 

Worship. 

 

"Where can I go from your Spirit? 

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there."

Ps. 139:7-8 (NIV)

 

1000.



That's the number of extraordinary ways our Creator shows Himself, His love, His Word, and His presence in the midst of our ordinary days.  Let's keep our eyes open and be amazed.