Conversation Point

In This Moment

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls left me speechless.

Having never visited the Falls until last week, I wasn't sure what my response would be. Walking across Rainbow Bridge into Canada under the war, bright sun gave me good view of the United States Falls, the picture I had seen many times on postcards. Our first true introduction to the Falls, both Canadian and U.S., came, as for many, through a journey around the bottom of the Falls on The Maid of the Mist, a small ferry with enough courage, strength and plastic rain coats for millions of tourists to embrace the power and magnificence of this natural wonder up close and personally.

I came away from The Maid a little damp and steamy, but feeling I had missed something.
Next we spent some time on the Behind the Falls tour, a trip through humanmade tunnels built into the sedimentary rock , in front of which rushes millions of gallons of water per minute. The hallways leading to the observation portals and decks were slick with the Great Lakes water that feeds the Niagara river before it tumbles on to the rest of its path. The mustiness almost overpowered the celebrity visitor bios and historical plaques dotting the walls under dim lights.
Stepping out onto the observation deck meant entering into another world. What I discovered was the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, a spectacle that put the U.S. Falls firmly in their place. The Maid of the Mist had been far too close an encounter to grasp their power and majesty. The cool mist brushed my face when the wind shifted, as if to help me find myself in this picture, as the water continued to thunder relentlessly in front of m.

Later in the day, after the butterfly exhibit, the gift shops and the scenic bus tour, we came to the Niagara river Rapids. Dipping to the shore, several hundred feet down in a very quick elevator, brought us face to face with the category six rapids, the most dangerous in the world. One of my traveling companions pondered out loud that what we were watching was only half the actual effort of the Falls power: the other half was channeled into electrical power for use in homes and businesses. The frothy turbulence before us was almost overwhelming. What would twice this energy look like?

At nine that night, the sun set, and the lights came on to highlight the natural beauty of the Falls. Hundreds of people gathered all along the Table Rock observation area, silent except for small exchanges. All eyes gazed at the Falls, U.S. and Canadian, as the thunderous roar continued, the mist stirred up a massive pot of sparkles and dancing light, and the night sky twinkled with another age-old wonder.

Finally, I smiled.

I'd made the connection to the memory that had been whispering at the back of my mind all day. "But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream." What was before me was only half what the mighty Niagara had to offer. We've managed to redirect a powerful river to serve our needs in a practical way. So, what does God's justice, full-flowing, look like? What would it mean for us to clear the way for its refreshing strength to carve out enough for everyone-enough food, clothing, shelter, education and medical care? Enough peace, good will, kindness and love? Enough of whatever it took to make the world whole and right?

posted by Cory L. Kemp @ 10:16 AM