Our sabbatical journey got back on the road, heading this time to Bryce Canyon in Utah.  Before we got started, we watched a fabulous introductory video, telling us all about the flora and fauna of the Canyon, how the hoodoos were formed, the history of the Canyon becoming a National Park, and more.  It was a great introduction to what we would see, and what we might miss otherwise.

Despite the very scientific explanation of how the hoodoos (freestanding columns of weathered rock) are formed, I confess that in this one instance, the science leapt out of my mind as soon as I saw the hoodoos myself – or rather the sea of hoodoos.  Truly, one hoodoo alone is magnificent.  But hundreds of thousands of them is mind boggling.  I stood there unable to comprehend how such an unusual sight could be repeated over and over again.  All I could conclude was that it was a mystery. 

Now I know what you are thinking – there is nothing mysterious about rock formations.  I saw the scientist explain the formation process myself!  But knowing the science and experiencing the science are two different things.  As I stared into what seemed like infinite hoodoos, I kept coming back to that word:  mystery.

Sometimes I think we steer clear of the word mystery when it comes to our faith.  Saying something is a mystery seems like a cop out, or a way to shut down an intellectual conversation.  But I think there is enough in all of our lives that has taught us that mystery is indeed a reality.  Labeling some of our experiences, whether in nature or with God, as mystery allows us the freedom to set aside rigidity and open ourselves to things that seem impossible.  I wonder where in your life you are finding mystery and how mystery is deepening your sense of the divine.