My trip to Joshua Tree National Park became a pilgrimage for me. I went to the visitor center to get a map and find some hiking trails; and during my search I saw the Joshua tree for the first time in a display. Underneath the tree was a picture of Joshua raising his hands up to the sky in prayer. Folk lore has it that a group of Mormon settlers who crossed the Mojave Desert in the mid-19th century upon seeing the tree and its unique shape reminded them of the Biblical story of Joshua. This was especially meaningful for them as they were traveling westward to their own “Promised Land.”
This left me with a warm feeling as I began exploring the park, and every time I saw the tree I thought of Joshua. The trees came in different sizes and shapes but whether the Joshua tree was small or large, if it had flowers or not, it’s branches were always pointed up. It reaches for the sky and basks in the bright sun.
In looking at the wonder of nature all around me I felt the presence of God; amongst rocks, cactus, the vastness of the desert, and the silence. With every step I took on the hiking trails I thought of the Joshua tree. It gave new meaning to the words of St Paul in Thessalonians 5:17-18, “ Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks for this is the will of God.” The Joshua tree which appeared everywhere in the park reminded me of this. It’s very shape and being was made for reaching toward the sky and the light of the sun, trusting in its Creator for all it needs. This is what I must do as well.
While trekking through the park all I thought about was putting one foot in front of the other, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face and body and the wind flowing through my hair. I was totally in the moment and felt such gratitude and love. I was overwhelmed not just with the beauty that surrounded me but with the experience of just “ Being.” I did not look at my watch and I could tell when we had to head back as the sun started to fall behind the mountains at 5:00.
I thought to myself, “This is mindfulness.
The moments Mark and I shared there were precious. Having a boxed lunch amidst split rock and the desert while a wood pecker pecked on the nearby Joshua tree; I felt whole and in union with God. It was pure joy. I realize that I spend most of my prayer life feeling as if I have to do “something.” I had to justify God’s love for me by saying the right prayers, at the right time, in the right place. I thought I had to work for God’s love.
And when I fell as I so often did, by behaving badly or not doing what I should, I was overcome with sadness and hopelessness. Now I know I can never do anything for God or make Him love me. It is a free gift. I just need to ask and be receptive. And that is what praying is to be in constant relationship with Him. I am like the Joshua Tree surrounded by the desert but basking in God’s warm embrace and love. Always looking up for help, guidance, and grace. He is the source of all. Light, Love, and Eternity.