The Background:
This photo was taken in the Narrows of Zion National Park in Utah. The hike consists primarily of wading through the Virgin River between the narrow canyon walls. During Spring and Summer this area is crowded with other hikers. However, during the fall, the water is colder, and the crowds are fewer. I did have to wait for one other hiker to pass through before I was able to get this picture - but the lack of crowds and the beauty of the changing foliage definitely made it worth weathering the colder water.
The Message:
I think this image has a great balance of elements - the river, the canyon, the fall foliage and the light come together in a beautiful way. I think in life, we often want everything to balance as well – we hope our work, family and spiritual life can be in synch, and we should have tranquility. However, in real life, the different elements are almost never in perfect synchronization. In this photo, the river is flowing quickly, the trees are changing color slowly over the course of the year and the canyon itself is transforming in geologic time. From one perspective, the elements are not in synch – but, in reality, they ARE in harmony with each other. G-d's world and the life that He gives us can sometimes be chaotic and feel disjointed - but if we recognize that the goal is not tranquility or smooth sailing - but harmony: seeing the greater purpose in the events and interactions that we experience, then I think we can appreciate the beauty of our own picture.
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