The Three Gossips
Photograph Provided by Molly Dog Images
Here we are again. The end of another year. I could have spent time making up resolutions that I know I would have difficulty keeping; or better yet, lament over the past year. Speaking plainly, and without much detail, 2012 SUCKED. One event, worthy of mention, was my grandson Christopher Corry turning 1 year old, following in his beautiful mother's footsteps literally, and walking ahead of schedule. The other event was the success of my talented son, who has continued to excel in his career as a professional master chef. So, as a parent, to be able to brag of childrens' accomplishments is a gift!
Christmas gave my husband and me a trip to one of our favorite spots on the map. Moab, Utah offers a splendid and magical experience. At one point in my life, alas, not too long ago, there was the ability to run through some of the hundreds of trails hidden throughout the "back 40" as well as the national parks. The mighty "fins" that can be found within Arches, allow a weary runner a moment of respite from summer heat. It was there, in the fins, that I could sit for moment and listen, truly listen and absorb the strength of the wind.
Truth be told, December 25th, and the days leading up to it are not my favorite time of the year. I believe the true message of the season has been replaced by commercialism. Every year there seems to be yet one more group that wants to erase Christmas. Most religions have their holidays, or times of year which they revere. Hell, even we as patriots seem to bow to the Muslim holy time of Ramadan. Why can't Christians have their festive time to celebrate the birth of Christ?
I don't have a problem with the winter solstice because it gives me hope that spring is just around the corner. Granted, in the Rocky Mountains, spring is on the calender, but Mother Nature may have a slightly different idea.
So, when my husband surprised me with the adventure of Moab for Christmas, I did not think twice. Brrrgh - Moab was cold. Frigid temperatures and even snow on Christmas Eve day couldn't dissuade my husband from getting out and capturing the scenic utopia of red rocks with brilliant snow. The glory of red rock stretching upwards to the heavens takes my breath away. All 4 seasons of Moab still offer me the same experience, but snow atop the desert scapes is something rather unique.
So, this trip, or should I say, the glance at my husband's photographs, got me to thinking about the names of these God like monuments, all within federally funded National Parks. If certain groups or individuals expend so much energy trying to dismantle the display of a Christmas tree, or a creche in front of a courthouse, then where is the outrage with regards to the names of some of the monuments' names, inside federally funded parks? The Three Gossips, Tower of Babel, The Lamb, Zion's Angel's Landing, just to name a few, all have a religious connotation to them. Hell, Zion, actually means"City of God".
Is there hypocrisy? Yes! Do some groups shy away from an attack on the names of National Parks, funded by U.S. tax dollars because they find such joy in visiting them, and being taken in by the grandeur of a rock column? Were the National Parks not introduced by a President?
So, with the demise of 2012, the birth of 2013, my hopes are for more tolerance when it comes to non-violent displays of one's faith, and less pissing and moaning over a tree with lights, or a menorah and more focus on peace.
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