Change of Plans

Towards the end of a solo photography trip, I had intended to spend a couple of days among the majestic spires and mesas of Monument Valley in Arizona. However, a weather front moved into the area, bringing with it ominous skies and rain. Which brought me to the town of Grand Junction, Colorado, earlier than my schedule had called for. I was not only frustrated, I was tired.

Nevertheless, I decided to get up early to see what opportunities there might be at sunrise. As I drove, I left behind the mostly dormant houses and shops of the city and began to ascend the asphalt-covered switchbacks towards the 6,000-foot rim of Colorado National Monument. I noticed there seemed to be an unusually large number of vehicles on the road at such an early hour. In addition, cars and pickup trucks were pulling off and parking on the shoulder well before the parking area I’d planned to go to. Must be a great place for a sunrise!

So, I too pulled off and parked. I got my gear out of the trunk and began to trudge uphill. After a few steps, I realized what was happening. This was Easter! I went back to my rental vehicle, stowed my equipment, and joined a group of worshippers on the canyon rim as a pastor prayed, “Lord of the sunrise and Lord of our lives . . .”

Peter had plans, too. He was recognized as a leader among his peers. Until that night. That horrible night. Peter made a promise he didn’t keep. Now what? His plans, in fact his whole future, were in some doubt. But Peter received forgiveness from Jesus. And the Lord of the sunrise truly became the Lord of his life.