Have you been to both states of New York?  Most of us have an instant picture of high rises and neon lights when we think of New York.  The Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower are things that come to my mind when someone mentions New York.  Of course that is New York City, Manhattan, go go go, cabbies screaming and horns blaring.  The other state of New York is north west of Manhattan and is nestled between Ohio and Pennsylvania.  Upstate New York is 250 miles and worlds away from NYC.

Rolling hills and flowing rivers chase me through Syracuse to Niagara Falls.  The breeze is blowing and the hills seem to run alongside me.  I feel calm and excited at the same time knowing I will soon be a place of legend and power.  Sure, I’ve seen pictures of Niagara Falls and since the advent of the internet I’ve seen countless videos of the Falls.  But if there one thing I have learned on this road trip, it’s that there is nothing like being there in person.

My map app directs me over the bridge and through the road construction to a small road where I see a parking lot and some people directing traffic.  I don’t see the Falls.  Where are the Falls!  Something that big and still not visible from where my map says “you are here.”  I know I’m in the right place because I see the shops and the street vendors so I park and walk.  I find the State Park Headquarters and venture in.  I’m looking for where I pay and some direction when I catch the eye of an employee.  She tells me it’s free to walk the grounds and see the Falls; and she directs me to a path that starts downstairs.  I’m on my way.

Breathtaking, grand, thunderous and immense are just a few of the words that come to mind.  I walked out to the Falls and found a quiet space where I could be alone and reflect.  Quiet from the voices of excitement.  The Falls don’t offer quiet, but away from the voices, the Falls are calm through their strength.  It’s becoming an emotional experience for me now.  I am small.  I have no say in this place.  The Falls rule here.  The Falls are a spiritual place for many.  The Iroquois believed the sound of the water was the voice of the mighty spirit of the waters.  People from all over the world come here for spiritual reasons now.  I came to see the Falls.  I didn’t come for spiritual reasons.  The quiet thunder of the Falls reminded me that I am not in charge.  The quiet thunder of the Falls reminded me of my faith.  The quiet thunder of the Falls reminded me that there is Someone bigger than me.  Go to the Falls and see where they lead you.