Marty at the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a one of a kind aberration of nature. So we were told during our visit there. I will say that the Grand Canyon has a special effect on people. After our trip to see this most famous of US sites, I commented to my wife that we would have a family squabble to remember at each site. Of course I was joking, but we did have a nice little family fight at the Grand Canyon.

We stopped first at the IMAX film, which was a lot cheaper than taking the helicopter flight over the Canyon. Things went pretty well here. So good in fact that I thought to myself that we had a pretty good bunch of boys who had pretty good parents. After all we all sat through the film and discussed it’s finer points after we were done. Pride comes before the fall.

Then we had a nice chilly picnic lunch, the boys played in the snow. Then it was off to the visitor center after an initial stop to see our first good view of the Canyon. At the visitor center we stopped to get the junior ranger programs and it started to fall apart. Keep in mind we have a small preschool class in tow all the time, plus a moody teenager and feisty pre-teen. Couple that with two older boys who think they are assistant parents, a boy who never walks anywhere but jumps everywhere and climbs on everything. Another boy has a hard time hearing so when he does talk it is three times louder than it needs to be and the baby of the family who feels whining in a high pitched voice is the mode of communication of choice.

Things were beginning to break down and then we went to the bathroom. Remember as dad to five boys this is supposed to fall entirely on my shoulders, as the boys are old enough now to not want to go with mom into the girls’ room. The bathroom turned into near chaos with yelling, hitting, bumping into strangers and then crying as dad got tough. Then we went outside and proceeded to “discuss” which was better, driving or hiking to our next point on the Canyon.

I copped an attitude. Not only did my wife have to deal with five unruly boys, but now dad said he just wanted to go home and try again the next day. Of course my attitude was quickly picked up by our oldest who felt I was being a bit grumpy.

Finally my dear wife patiently talked me down from my grumpy attitude, but I was still sullen.

So we decided to hike the trail. We began to see some of the amazing views on a crisp but sunny day. The blue sky and the incredible views had an amazing calming effect on me. Within minutes I was out of my funk and even posing for a family photo!

Wow, do you think God knew that some of his amazing creation could have that sort of effect on us. In the midst of our “big problems” seeing the grandeur of God can help us see them for what they are, small and petty. He cares about them, but He also knows we need to be reminded how big He is and how the passing problems of today will soon be forgotten, but His work endures!