Pistyll Rhaeadr - the waterfall of dreams...
We were in Wales a couple of weeks ago for Hillsong London's staff retreat and so we decided that a roadtrip to the nearby Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall was a must. I had seen some pictures of it online and fell in love with it already.
We arrived when it was raining, but that didn't stop us from falling in love with that waterfall as soon as we laid eyes on it.
But let me tell you, boy, was it an adventure!
And some parts less fun than others.
When you arrive to Pistyll Rhaeadr, there's a little car park next to this inn. It's an inn and also a café, but unfortunately we found that the café was closed. We saw a couple sitting up on the balcony overlooking the waterfall, and I must admit, I was a little jealous. What an amazing view! You're also in the comfort of being underneath a shelter during the rain and you can be wrapped up in blankets and just enjoying that lovely little scenery. I know you can have a wedding there and so now I'm DREAMING of doing one there! (Feel free to contact me if that's what you plan haha)
After we took some fun pics down near the waterfall, we crossed the bridge towards the woods to see what else there was to be found. Nathan & Eugene ended up finding a path to go up closer towards the waterfall. And that's where it was less fun for me..
The weekend before I took a tumble while I was photographing a wedding. I've always been terrified of falling off of heights, and I slipped and fell at the wedding due to mud. Knowing that this waterfall would be covered with muddy patches, I naturally started to let fear sink in. Nathan and Eugene went on ahead of me after I slipped a little, and I had a moment alone.
I had a feeling that God wanted me to know that just because I had bad balance, or fell the week before, didn't mean it would happen again. No matter how many precautions I may take, He's got me. So I had a feeling that I would need to go up to where Nathan was. Nathan came back down to take me up, and I was terrified the whole time. I could feel my feet slipping occasionally, and we had to cross this bit where all there was was wet rock. I was terrified of slipping and falling and perhaps dying. Isn't it funny what fear will do to you? It presents a false reality to you and stops you from going forward.
I still carried on, and finally made it. In the picture below you can see me still emotional from having to conquer my fear. I'm not gonna lie, I went there and back still so scared (more going up than coming down). But I realised that no matter how many precautions I may take (which, of course, we must play our part), that God is in ultimate control of it all. He's ultimately in control of whether I live or die. He's ultimately in control of whether I fall off a waterfall or not (even if I did feel like my foot was slipping!)
The lesson I learned from this was that ultimately, I have nothing to worry about. I must do my part, and I need to take the precautions that I can, but ultimately, I think God sometimes wants me to take these risks that require me to trust Him. That isn't to say that I need to be risky and dangerous (because that's not wise either), but that's to say I need to walk with God and know when it's time to take a risk and trust the Lord and when it's time to be safe.
If you're fearful, trust God with your life. He's there to take care of you, to carry you, and He promises to never let us down. Always replace your fearful thoughts with thoughts of gratitude and goodness. When fear has crept in, remember God's Word and that He is for you and not against you. He will go with you wherever you go.
PS, if you ever get the chance - head to Pistyll Rhaeadr as it's absolutely stunning!
Love you all,
Nat xx
Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
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