My analogy of Heaven

I’m always reminded of it this time of year.  When the temperatures get unbearably hot.  When Elliot was little, but old enough to go on a day hike with mom, (probably 5 years old) we started an annual tradition.  On one of the hottest days of the summer, usually in August and over 100 degrees (which we only get a couple of days a year here in the Northwest)  we’d hike to the top of Multnomah Falls.

No air conditioning in our apartment or car in those days.  The ‘too hot to stay home’ days were spent at the mall, or a movie, or at the pool.  And once we were tired of all that lounging around to beat the heat, we’d pack a lunch, lace up our hiking boots and hit the road, then the trail! 

 It’s about an hours drive to the falls.  Multnomah Falls is the second largest year round waterfall in the country.  A HUGE tourist attraction, right off the interstate.  Most folks only climb as far as the observation bridge.  After we practically had the trail to ourselves.

It’s always a bit cooler in the gorge.  A nice breeze coming across the Columbia River.  The shade in the thickness of the trees.  But, still, it’s summer and it’s HOT.  By the time you get to the top of the falls (620ft.) you are dripping with sweat and entirely drained of every ounce of energy.

The top of the trail is actually above the falls a bit, you have to hike down another small trail to the ‘overlook’, where you are literally looking over the top of the falls.  Talk about a rush!!!!  The water thunders so loud that you can’t even talk. 

After a couple of minutes you remember that you are exhausted.  Elliot and I always hiked back a bit on the Larch Mountain Trail to the stream that feeds the falls to rest and eat our lunch.  We’d step across a path of rocks to the  middle of the stream and find a good ‘sitting rock’.  We’d peel off our hiking boots and sweaty socks and dip our feet in the icy cold mountain water and eat our lunch.  We always brought extra to share with the chipmunks.

After lunch, and a good long rest on the rocks, there is suddenly a feeling of complete renewal.  THIS is the feeling that I imagine Heaven will be like.  After our long, hard, sweaty journey here on earth we will be nourished, refreshed and renewed for our eternity. 

Here is the website for the falls:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/columbia/millennium2/welcome.htm