Out of the Darkness
I slipped through a passage, tucked between rock and pine, into an underworld of beauty.
This cave had been here all along.
Before I was born,
Before explorers blazed this frontier,
Millions of years, even, before Christ walked this Earth as a man.
Water and rock have been working on this underground masterpiece for 300 million years. That’s how long this cave has existed. But whose pleasure did it serve but God alone?
This cave was God’s secret. He let mankind in on the secret in 1929, and since then, thousands of people have walked through this dimly-lit underground nature gallery.
Last weekend, our family went to see it, too. On a vacation to the Black Hills of South Dakota, we stepped into a God-Gallery of stalactites and stalagmites, crystals and helictites.
We share this planet with beauty before our eyes, and beneath our feet, tucked in underground places and darkest caverns.
Yet.
We.
Have.
No.
Idea.
Our tour guide — a geologist — led us down 127 steps into a slippery maze of rocky rooms and caverns. She told us how each part took thousands — sometimes millions — of years to grow.
And then her words … her words just stopped me:
Because this geologist didn’t just know rocks. She knew THE Rock. And here’s what she said:
“This was all born in darkness. Every bit of it,” she said. “It’s always been beautiful, but we could only see its beauty until it reflected the light.”
(As it turns out, she knew exactly what she was saying. Our geologist knows the Creator; I asked her after the tour.)
My heart raced in that cave. For I saw the darkest recesses of my own soul — born in darkness then exposed to light.
I, too, was formed in the depths of the Earth, before even time began. When no one else saw me, He did.
I’m part of the God Gallery, imperfect as I am.
And I invite Him in, once again, to light up the recesses of my soul. To shine light on the dark places of my heart.
Oh, God … You are the Light of the World. You have called me out of the darkness and into the Light. Let me reflect more of you. I want to shine for you. Amen.
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light …”
— Ephesians 5:8
***
Photos: Series of photos from our family vacation, including (first photo) unusual “boxwork” on cave ceiling. Look at the beauty He reveals in the hidden places! Oh, glory …
I have been there. They are indeed beautiful.
Mmmmm… I love this post. Created in darkness, beautiful when reflecting light. It's mysterious and captivating and inspiring. That's God for ya! Thanks for sharing your beautiful experience in such a lovely way.
Great line…"This was all born in darkness. Every bit of it," she said. "It's always been beautiful, but we could only see its beauty until it reflected the light."
You did not only have a great tour but had a great spiritual reminder…Thanks for sharing this awesome story. God bless.
Sounds like you were havin' church down in that cave! What a blessing. Thanks so much for sharing!
This post reminded me of all the things I love about God. It also made me think of the book, Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl.
~ Wendy
Beautiful, as always.
But whose pleasure did it serve but God alone?
I love that. It would have continued to bring Him glory even if He never let us in on it. Sometimes I forget that He did it all for His own delight.
It's a good thing indeed when what delights Him also delights me. But I have to remember that mine comes secondary to His.
Glad you got to see a little bit of our So Dak wonder…hope the covered wagon ride across the state didn't wear you out.
How important to remember, we are all born in darkness then exposed to light! Beautiful!
What a beautifully written and unique post! I love your blend of writing styles.
The photos are just a testament to God's majesty!
Thank you for your freeing words on my Internet Cafe devo! Obedience and grace go hand in hand!
Beautifully described! I have been to some other places like it…and you put into words the awe-inspiring handiwork of a great God.
Found you over on Miss Wendy's blog…and am glad to "meet" you.
God bless and hugs to you today,
Bina
That was so beautiful! I love how the words she used were words that we as Christians fully understand!
All I can say is, wow, Jennifer.
We have some caverns here in WV and we always went there when I was a kid. Haven't been in years. But this post makes me want to share them with my own children.
Beautiful!
All I can say is, wow, Jennifer.
We have some caverns here in WV and we always went there when I was a kid. Haven't been in years. But this post makes me want to share them with my own children.
Beautiful!
You bless my soul each time I visit.
I just put up a post and linked to your blog saying I wish I could right like you. I feel it in my soul but the words don't always come.
Thank you my friend.
My oh my, out of the darkness of death He rose to bring us light.
"Look at the beauty He reveals in the hidden places! Oh, glory …"
All the way from a cave, a hidden place of your heart you have reflected His glory.
Thank you
Love this post!!! God's light reflecting the beauty He created in the darkness. Part of the reason I named my blog "Treasures of Darkness".
I love a good cave too, Jennifer. And your tour guide sounds like someone I'd love to sit down and talk with some time.
Wonderful, wonderful post.