The Power of Niagara Falls

July 19, 2014

The Power of Niagara Falls

Al and I had already made reservations for a trip to Niagara Falls in July, when we found out that he would need another surgery on his ankle. The doctor thought that there would be enough time for the ankle to heal so that we could still go ahead with the travel plans. Thankfully, the surgery worked out well; and the doctor gave his approval to take the trip at the last follow-up appointment only a few days before our departure date.

We were both relieved, having looked forward to this vacation for several months. I was especially excited since this would be my first time to see them. Al and his family had gone when he was about ten years old. He still remembered the thrill of the boat ride around the base of the falls. We were planning on taking that same tour, spending a couple of nights in a nearby hotel and exploring the surrounding area.

The flight from LA to Toronto, via Detroit, went smoothly with the help of many people along the way. Al had arranged for us to spend the first night in Toronto, renting a car from the airport the next morning, so that we could drive to Niagara Falls.

When we passed over the Niagara River on the Rainbow Bridge, he said, “First one to spot the falls, say ‘I spy.’” That was easy, since he had to keep his eye on the road.

“I spy,” I called out, as the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls came into view. It would have been nice to stop right there to get a better look, but we had to keep up with the flow of traffic over the bridge and so went on to the hotel.

After checking in and unpacking, we decided to follow the advice of the man at the concierge desk. “Go right now,” he urged, when we told him that we wanted to take the “Maid of the Mist” boat tour. “It’s hot and muggy. The rain has stopped… this is a great time to go. You won’t mind getting drenched!” Since it had been raining all morning, we were glad to see the sun coming out from behind the clouds.

It was only a short walk down to the park, where we got on a bright green trolley car which took us to the Maid of the Mist area. A bike rental shop also advertised barrels, for $1,000 each! Not this time, thanks! I was happy enough seeing the falls from the bottom, without going over the top.

There was an observation deck out extending over the river—a great place to take in the enormity of the three falls, as well as for picture taking. Then an elevator took us down to the river where we boarded the boat along with a couple hundred other people, all clad in plastic blue rain ponchos.

A feeling of excitement was in the air as the boat left the shore and started up the river towards the base of the falls. The sheer power was overwhelming… more than forty million gallons of water per minute pouring over the rim. Sheets of water sprayed over us and our ears were filled with the deafening roar. It was definitely an unforgettable experience!

“Way to go God,” I said out loud several times, “way to go!” What a wonderful glimpse of God’s power and might, which is so much greater than anything we could ever imagine. Is it possible that we are living on just a trickle from the stream when there is an amazing, incredible life-changing power source available to us?

“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.” John 7:38-39 NIV

(Published in the Porterville Recorder July 2014)