When I take our pilgrims on tour in Israel to the Judean wilderness at the Wadi Qelt, I give them about 20 minutes to go, sit on the side of the mountain. The desert is reported to be the smallest desert in the world, but it is powerful to behold. You feel alone. About as important as a far-away stone. You feel totally transitory--we are all just passing through. When the 20 minutes is over, people come back to the bus and many have tears in their eyes. I felt alone, they would say, for about the only time I can remember. I feel small, say others. Who are we, apart from what we do, what we have, who is in our network, what is our net worth?
It has been a long time since I have felt the wonders of being in the country/wilderness. your insight took me back in my memories. Thank you.
When I take our pilgrims on tour in Israel to the Judean wilderness at the Wadi Qelt, I give them about 20 minutes to go, sit on the side of the mountain. The desert is reported to be the smallest desert in the world, but it is powerful to behold. You feel alone. About as important as a far-away stone. You feel totally transitory--we are all just passing through. When the 20 minutes is over, people come back to the bus and many have tears in their eyes. I felt alone, they would say, for about the only time I can remember. I feel small, say others. Who are we, apart from what we do, what we have, who is in our network, what is our net worth?
Beautiful essay, David.
Thank you, Father!