The bigger picture – Day 17

During a visit to Mpumalanga, we had the opportunity to look down at the Blyde River Canyon. Only one word can describe such a sight, breathtaking!

Our country is blessed with the most beautiful mountains, high cliffs, deep valleys and beautiful hills. It is always special to capture that beauty by camera. Part of these wonderful series of mountain ranges are the Drakensberg Mountains, which also spill into Lesotho.

When visiting the Mountain Kingdom, we drove all along the crest of the mountains, past sparsely dressed people wearing rubber boots and blankets around their shoulders. We kept on going until the tar road ended and changed to gravel. Suddenly, one could see how unpredictable the mountains could be. In a flash, we were surrounded by mist and then a man on a horse appeared out of nowhere, almost ghostly. My camera captured the atmosphere of a man alone on his way.

We met a group of people where the gravel road finally ended. Many of them were shepherds and some were still very young. I took many pictures. We were there to provide them with the Bread of Life. When they received real bread and fruit, they were very excited. They were eager to still the hunger in their bellies and the emotion made for very pretty, but extremely sad pictures.

Even though these mountains are beautiful, they hold many dangers for these shepherds. There are wild animals around and the risk of being caught in the snow or lightning.

Maybe, these people really understand what it means to look up to the mountains and to wonder where their help comes from in such challenging times. They are also only pilgrims on their way.

Isn’t it great knowing that God, who created the earth in all its majesty, also created you and me in his likeness? He is always in charge. He is also in charge of you and me. When we need help, we know where to look for it. What a comforting thought!