Come and See

(By Eileen Knowles)

Last Saturday, my family and I checked out a place called Lula Lake Land Trust on the eastern edge of Lookout Mountain. I first heard about Lula Lake last week from Heather, the nice lady who has been cutting my hair for the past couple of years. Heather highly recommended this location as a possible hiking adventure for my family during Spring Break.

Later that evening, I googled Lula Lake for a better description. I was surprised to discover that this scenic place was less than a 30 minute car ride from my house.

I am thankful that Heather suggested this outdoor adventure. My husband, son, and I had a great time hiking the trails, sitting on the rocks at the base of Lula Falls, eating our apples and granola bars, and feeling the cool refreshing mist of the waterfall on our arms and face.

It's always somewhat of a shock to me when local (in your own backyard) treasures such as this remain hidden for any length of time. Even though we have lived in Ringgold, GA for nearly four years, this natural beauty remained unknown and tucked away from us until now. And, had it not been for Heather's enthusiastic recommendation, my family and I would not have experienced this peaceful attraction last weekend.

As I drove into work Sunday morning, I thought about our typical reactions when we encounter beautiful things.

Like Heather, when we encounter beauty or wonder, we are often compelled to share the discovery with others.  We want others to experience the same kind of joy and satisfaction we ourselves received.

Beautiful moments are wonderful conversation starters.  

I saw ________ and it was breathtaking.

I went__________and it changed my life.

I read __________and I experienced peace.

I listened to_______and it filled me with joy.

I then thought about how a crucial part of being disciples making disciples is simply being willing to open our mouths and share the beauty of Jesus with another human being.

How have the encounters you have personally had with Jesus changed your life and your perspective?

Who might the Lord be asking you to share that beauty with today?

Because, one thing is certain, we mustn't assume they've been told about the beauty of Jesus before. Perhaps, Jesus is the beauty right in their own backyards yet no one has taken the time to invite them to go and check it out for themselves. They need your enthusiastic joy-filled invitation....

Come and see for yourself...it's beautiful!

Easter is right around the corner.  Invite someone to come and see the beauty of Jesus.


"But I will hope continually and will praise You more and more. My mouth will tell about Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot sum them up. I come because of the mighty acts of the Lord; I will proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone." ~Psalm 71: 14-16

"Come and see the wonders of God;
His acts for humanity are awe-inspiring." ~Psalm 66:5