I love waterfalls. I love the sound of the water. Like the soft clapping of a reverential audience. I love the continuity, that it seems endless in its joy and creativity. I love the way a slight wind can move the column of water like a snake gliding through a forest.
Last week, I got a text, and a question from my good friend Chris Stapper, “Have you ever been to the waterfall at Wolf Creek Lake in Palestine? I just saw it on PBS.” I immediately responded and starting searching on my phone. Sure enough there is a beautiful, relaxing, amazing waterfall just 30 minutes away from Athens. I have never heard of it before which is surprising given my interest in hiking, the outdoors, photography and waterfalls. Why has no one told me about this place?
So the next day, we loaded up after church headed to Palestine, bought some BBQ and then went for a picnic and hike to the waterfall. As advertised, it was there. It is not Niagara Falls, but it is sublime. Its not the biggest, loudest, most beautiful waterfall, but it is the closest. I will be back. I want to see it all the different seasons. I want to see it after a big rain. I would love to see it frozen in mid-air. The dogwoods in the area must be a beautiful addition.
I called a friend who lived in Palestine for 18 years. I asked him why he had never told me about the falls given who I am. He said, “I figured you already knew.” I didn’t.
I invited a friend to come to church in High School. I shared Christ with them. Sometime later, they became a Christ follower. They told me that I was the first person to ever invite them, to ever tell them about the way of Jesus. Though they had grown up around hundreds of Christians, no one has shared the beauty, majesty, wonder or joy of Christ with them. Don’t assume, share.