I recently had the opportunity to travel to the gorgeous city of Vancouver, Canada. There are a variety of extraordinary attractions to see in this beautiful city but the destination that stuck out most was hidden just beyond Lions Gate Bridge, at a place known as Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Capilano Suspension Bridge attracts more than 1 million tourists every year. It includes a 459-foot bridge suspended between 2 mountains, crossing the Capilano River with gorgeous views on either side. The bridge itself moves as you walk! A point I wish I knew before proceeding across. The park also includes excursions like Treetop Adventures, and the newly constructed ‘Cliff Walk’.
The Cliff Walk was my favorite excursion, because nestled along it’s path were breathtaking views and “fun facts”. These facts were far more profound to me than their original intent. Their messages spoke of the pursuit of purpose and destiny.
Creating a sharp angle as they search for sunlight & water
“Certain trees that you see here have been on a search for water, which is why their roots have grown up and down the rock wall. Other tress have literally changed the direction they were growing creating a sharp angle as they search for sunlight and water”.
There are so many road blocks that appear throughout our lives that can interrupt our focus and growth. The above message reminds me to purse the things of God regardless of the obstacles that may appear. God has a unique path for each of us to follow. The path isn’t always going to be easy, but it is a path that is uniquely crafted for a very specific time for a very specific person (You!) The trees understand how vital the sunlight and water are to their survival, so they twist, they contort themselves, they struggle and they fight to reach the sunlight. In the same way we must pursue God, and in that we will ultimately find the purpose he has for our lives. Without this pursuit, without this struggle true growth is not possible.
The tress can absorb up to 40% of your water from fog
“Fog is one reason the trees have grown so tall, as the trees can absorb up to 40% of their water directly from the fog and mist, and then move that water from their roots all the way to their tops”.
This message reminds me that God has my back and my life’s ultimate plan in his hands. Regardless of how hard we try to avoid our purpose, God has a way of making sure that we get the ‘water’ we need to survive and thrive. If you’re at a place in your life where you feel like you don’t have enough left to go on, remember that your “fog” is just around the corner. You’ll find the nutrients you need through the kind word of a stranger, the warm hug of a friend, even through the words in a song.
Determine and relentlessly pursue your purpose
Stay focused, don’t look to the right or to the left but straight ahead. The accomplishments of your friends, family and colleagues should not make you envious, but more relentless about pursing your goals. Stay on the path that has been created specifically for you and it will lead you to your ultimate purpose.
You have something great to accomplish in this life. Be unyielding in your pursuit of greatness.
