We just walked through history today. Ten miles west of Tuba city on the north side of the 160 is a historic treasure.
The Navajo reservation contains a huge deposit of dinosaur tracks open to the public. The area itself is not protected or designated a national site. The locals have set up a few structures to sell their crafts and offer a tour.
Today, a wonderful Navajo named Jackie took us around to see the sites.
As I said, the site is open. The locals are definitely trying to scrape a little extra living by being present.
Jackie described the various spots, but eventually she shared her own heart about life. She lamented the loss of her culture and especially the missing generations of medicine and elder teachers. She shared how she prayed for her two sons and made sure that they left the rez to attend college.
I made sure the girls listened and gave Jackie their attention. I asked her if she was making an effort to honor the ancient four-legged relations with her presence. She looked touched by the suggestion and seemed to appreciate that I understood.
It was really special for all of us.
I was especially proud of my youngest. She absolutely LOVES rocks and stones. She had a hand full while we explored. As we left, I chose not to say anything to see what her own convictions were. She set them down on the edge of the small steps, and said "these don't belong to me."
If you go, be a kind human being and offer whomever guides you a nice payment. Skip all the inner debate about beer money and drugs. Just be human. Let kindness fill the gaps. God works in the space between thoughts and actions. Small moves that lead to everything.
On the way back to Flagstaff, I shared a bit about the history of the natives at the hands of the Spaniards, and later the Europeans. We watched that video of the Tatanka charging during the standoff at Standing Rock.
I did my best to impart the value that each person holds. We discussed how our Christian faith fits in, I hope I did right.
Among the ancient footsteps, we connected with humanity. God is an infinite mind outside of it all. I asked them what God was up to a hundred million years before man existed. If He was the facillitator of time, space, and matter... He was present at our meeting with Jackie before it ever happened.
I suggested that if we make the most of every opportunity, if our hearts are focused on loving our fellow man, we can be a bridge with infinite impact.
Being humble about our place in the universe is always a good idea. We too are destined to become fossils ...if we're lucky!
