Sometimes it is just worth it! And sometimes, it is NOT!

 

Usually when Ken and I travel, we are very frugal.  We watch each and every penny.  Since this vacation was to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary we decided to splurge and upgrade more than usual.  We have been known to opt for an ocean front room in Florida and we know - IT IS WORTH IT!  So the decision to get a Falls view room was pretty easy.  We even choose a room that has both American and Canadian falls view.  That picture above is from our floor to ceiling windows in our room.  We have two easy chairs positioned to the window and this view.  I can't wait for the light show and fireworks tonight!  Yes, there is even one window that opens and you can clearly hear the falls (and we are on the 17th floor)!  We have had a spectacular day.  Another perfect weather day.  What a blessing!  Our hotel couldn't be more convenient- we walk out, cross a road and take the "Falls incline railway" down to the Welcome Center. 

That is our Hotel at the top and a shot up the incline railway!  We were able to get a pass for the entire day so we could go up and down as often as we wanted.  There were lots of people on our first trip down.  At one point when I was sitting in the shade waiting for Ken to take some photos, I counted 7 different languages that I heard passing me by.  This is really a seeming hot spot for tourists.  And there are so many things that are simply NOT worth the money.  From the time we checked into our hotel, we have been pressed to get a "package deal" for attractions.  The hotel wanted to sell us a tour on a bus for $150 each!  Really!  Not going to happen.  The welcome center package deal ended up to NOT be a deal for us, since we had no interest in several of the attractions that were included in the price.  I think we have decided to just buy individual tickets for the couple of things that we really want to do and forget the package deals.  I am thankful for the CHOICE and the wisdom to know what is not worth it!

 

On our second trip down to the falls today, there was an amazing full arc rainbow over the Canadian Falls!  It just took your breath away!  It was so bright and so clear you could see every color.  



 



We walked up river to see if we could get a different angle of the rainbow.  I stood very close to another smaller waterfall while Ken was taking pictures, I realized that I had the same feeling in my spirit as when I sit on the beach and listen to the waves.  That powerful water, cascading down over those rocks, pouring down in an endless stream, reminded me of the ocean.   I told Ken that we either needed to vacation at an ocean or a very big waterfall from now on! 

 

Yes, there are times when it is just worth it for the experience.  In  the couple of days on this vacation we have said more than once, this is so worth it!  The hassle for the passports, the expenses, the crowds.  Yesterday was about seeing an amazing house created by a man.  And it was worth seeing. Today, it is all worth it to see this natural wonder.  There is something about the contrast (didn't I just write a blog post on this???) between the man made and the God created.   Nothing can really compare to all that is in God's creation.  There are flocks and flocks of birds and they live on a small outcropping of rocks just before the Canadian Falls.  Other than bigger birds, they are most likely safe from predators. They swooped and soared over the falls all day.  I have several pictures in which I caught a bird in flight, without really intending it!  And I can't help but think of my life verse - John 7:38 - "...Out of his belly will flow rivers of living water"!  Sitting here, looking out at the falls, it is a picture of all the power that flowing rivers contain.  And another reminder of just how powerful we are, when we are filled with the promise and presence of the Holy Spirit. 

 

More vacation updates will follow, I am sure.  Time for light show and fireworks!

 

Jesus, thank you for your guidance and direction that helps us discern what IS worth it and what is NOT worth it.  Thank you for the picture of your power displayed before us in these falls.  Holy Spirit, help us to grasp the power that we have within us, so that we may open the gates and let your love and grace and peace and the presence of Jesus flow out to the world. And Jesus, thank you for unexpected rainbows.   Amen