We just returned from a trip to visit Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon and I must admit the whole trip was…well…what’s the word I’m looking for???? Oh yes, GRAND!
Hoover Dam is considered one of the seven manmade wonders in the United States and the Grand Canyon is one of the seven natural wonders of the modern world. Of course, these lists are always being updated, but nonetheless, these two sites are wonders to behold.
Hoover Dam is located in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River on the border between Arizona and Nevada. This concrete arch-gravity dam is one of the world’s largest hydro-electric generating stations. Named after our 31st president Herbert Hoover, who was instrumental in having the dam built and settling a 25-year water allocation controversy with nearby states, the dam began construction in 1931 and was completed ahead of schedule under budget in 1936. That alone is a “manmade” wonder!
As impressive as the Hoover Dam is, it really can’t compare to the Grand Canyon, a God made wonder. Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and over a mile deep. Carved by the erosion of the Colorado River, the canyon is estimated to have taken millions of years to form. It is difficult to say which view is moremajestic: looking down the steep crevices from the top or staring up at the layers of exposed rock from the bottom. We did both by taking a helicopter down into the canyon and a pontoon boat ride on the Colorado River.
Looking at any view of the Grand Canyon literally takes your breath away and gives meaning to scriptures. Not only do the heavens declare God’s glory (Psalm 19:1), but so do wondrous sites under the heavens. Isaiah 40:12 says that God has measured the water in the palm of his hand. Not only has God created Earth and it’s wonders, but the whole universe. (Isaiah 40:25, 26)
However, as impressive as these wonders of the world are, there are two other wonders of God that never cease to amaze me – his love and his grace. (Galatians 1:3) God loves us the way we are. Nothing we ever do will make him love us any more or any less. God loves us so much he let his son die for us while we were sinners. (John 3:16, 17; Romans 5:8) We did nothing to earn this. (Ephesians 2:8) God’s grace brings us salvation. (Titus 2:11)
Which makes me ask the question, “Will wonders never cease?” Not as long as God is around, that’s for sure!
(Pictures by Barbara Dahlgren)
