April 5

We had variable degrees of success with today's outing. On the plus side, we took in the view from the Waimea Canyon overlook, the woman who said she'd take a picture of us didn't break my iPhone when she accidentally dropped it, and we had another tasty round of shave ice (this time from Jo Jo's). On the not-quite-as-plus side, everything above the Waimea Canyon overlook was pretty much socked in and/or rain was actively falling. But we got out when we reached the Kalalau lookout at the end of the road and tried to look anyway.

When it's not shrouded in cloud cover, it's a stunning overlook. Adam and I saw it the last time we were in Kaua'i four years ago, and the sweeping views of the lush greenery and the ocean are well-worth the relatively slow drive up the mountain. So it was a bit disappointing that the kids didn't get to take it in.

Still, as I looked at this image, I had a few separate thoughts.

First off, there's an extraordinarily gorgeous view right there beside them on the other side of the fence, but it's hidden under that thick bank of clouds. The fact that it's right there and they couldn't see it is maddening, but I wonder if maybe that's how God feels about human beings and the good things He does for us, both here and in Heaven later: they're right there but we so often miss them because we're either not looking or our circumstances are such that our view is blocked.

At the same time, it also served as a reminder that just because I can't see God --just because He's not right there in front of me parting rivers-- doesn't mean He's not there at all. It just takes faith to keep walking and believing that what we can't always see is still real nonetheless.

Just a few little tidbits to nibble on, if you like.