How Great Thou Art

One of my goals on this trip to New Zealand was to see Shotover River. Instead, I got to sit on a boulder practically in the middle of the river. Ben and I rock-hopped several hundred yards until all we could see on either side of us was the walls of the narrow, deep canyon, carved by the glacial waters of the river. Ben scaled the rocks like a spry, young mountain goat, while I clambered clumsily behind, looking something like a bunny rabbit with wet paws.

While Ben continued on exploring, I reclined on said boulder, which was shaped in such a way that it was practically asking to be sat upon. As I stared at the clear-turquoise waters, I had what I would call a transcendent moment. The sun warmed my back and my ears were filled with the river’s rushing. I have a catalogue of hymns in my head and there is one in particular that comes bubbling out of me when I am in the midst of natural beauty. I sang “How Great Thou Art” at the top of my lungs, knowing that the roar of the waters wouldn’t allow my voice to carry further than a few meters.

Both the words and the melody of this tune speak to me of pausing and noticing; allowing oneself to be awestruck. The gratitude I felt in that moment was so great, my eyes began tear up. Gratitude not just for what I was currently experiencing, but for all the circumstances that led up to me being there. As I thought on this, my gratitude took on a different form and found a new home.

I am so thankful (for many reasons) that I grew up in a home surrounded by people who love Jesus, even though my personal beliefs now differ. I was raised in a loving environment in which I was given the opportunity to learn beautiful songs written by the saints of old. Songs that I carry with me, and at times, like this one, are the best expression of joy I can come up with.