The cross in the woods

During a recent trip to northern Michigan, we visited the beautiful Mackinac Island. What a delight. Afterward, my husgand said he had a surprise for us. So, we drove for a while and arrived in Indian Springs, MI. He pulled into the parking lot of a small church. What? Then, we saw the sign which said "Cross in the Woods." Thinking this should be wonderful, we exited the car and I had one of the most amazing experiences ever!

As you can see, it's a beautiful outdoor sanctuary with Jesus on the cross as the center point. The cross is on an elevated platform with 28 steps leading to the top of the platform. After gazing a while and walking the grounds to visit the stations of the cross, I decided to climb the 28 stairs to experience what it would be like (somewhat) to be at the foot of the cross of Jesus. The platform is small so once there I had to get positioned before I looked up. But when I did...oh my! The artist had designed the sculpture so that when you looked up, Jesus was looking down and right at you. Seriously y'all...it took my breath away.

Look, I know it was just a sculpture and a cross in the woods but what it represents filled me with the emotions of gratitude, wonder, awe, thanksgiving, amazement, and was such a humbling moment. Wanting to capture the moment and the view, I pulled out my phone and took a picture. The way the sun was shining above just heightened the experience for me and I pray for you too. Look at those eyes...they piece my heart because I know there really was a moment in time that Jesus hung on a cross for me...for you. Why oh why... Amazing grace.

"At the cross, at the cross
I surrender my life
I'm in awe of You
I'm in awe of You
Where Your love ran red
And my sin washed white
I owe all to You
I owe all to You
I owe all to You
I owe all to You, Jesus, Jesus"