Wild LifeSample

The Wound

The pale yellow, rugged canyon walls boxed us in on one side and the silvery Arkansas River on the other. We’d been driving about an hour and half, following John to the perfect fly fishing spot. Tanner, our world-traveling cameraman had just one word for the stunning view: patience. He took out his phone and made this note as we drove:

“Patience. It takes patience for these mountains to get where and how they are. The youngest things growing are the grasses, then the trees ... but good grief. Think about the time it took for these mountains to get pushed up and formed.”

As soon as he finished his note, we realized we were nearly out of gas. The nearest gas station ahead was too far. It was time for a man-foul. We turned around for gas. Because sometimes you need to stop, look back, and revisit what’s behind you to move into what’s ahead for you. 

Our detour delayed what was ahead of us by about an hour. Patience. Then we began fishing. No bites. Patience. More fishing. No catching. Patience. The river kept flowing through the valley, tumbling stones, slowly, very slowly scarring a deeper, richer, valley. 

Then, it was time for lunch. So we sat, and John began talking about some of his life-detours. Wounds. Valleys. We looked backward again, but this time into our stories to discover our empty places that needed healing and refilling.  

As you watch the beginning of Episode 2 and read today’s Scriptures, ask God to show you past wounds and emptiness in your life. Because sometimes you need to stop, look back, and revisit what’s behind you to move into what’s ahead for you.

Watch today’s video, and begin thinking about your wounds.