We visited the Petrified Forest in Arizona. A national park named for the petrified wood that scatters the area. In science, the word petrified relates to fossilization, organic matter literally turning to stone.
As we walked through the Blue Mesa, a trail in the Petrified Forest, I was in awe. The wood’s colors were deep golds and yellows and green against the cool blues and purples and gray of the surrounding badlands. It was otherwordly.
I kept thinking of that word, petrified. I kept thinking of fear. To be petrified also means to be so terrified as to be left paralyzed, unable to move like stone.
Often times we run from such fear, because to sit with it can be so crippling. But I hate being afraid. I hate it so much, I try so often to follow my fear until I’m not afraid of it anymore.
And following my fear has lead to the most growth and the most beauty in my life. To think of the times I was most anxious and fearful and how I eventually overcame it. I look back and think how hard a time it was, but how beautiful it is to be done with it, how much more beautiful I am because of it. To grow in endurance, and peace, and compassion, is to become more beautiful.
So now when I think of fear, I will think of the Petrified Forest. I will think of the wood that has become stone, but not something cold and mute and harsh to touch. But stone that is filled with vibrant and warm colors and is smooth and cool as I run my fingers along it. Something beautiful.
The petrified wood in the Blue Mesa is said by scientists to be millions of years old.* It is a long process for the wood to turn to stone.
It takes time to overcome fear. It takes time and perspective to look back and see the beauty from it. It is a process. So whatever fears you have, take your time. Whatever time you need. And you will grow from it, if you let it. Into beautiful petrified wood.
Photo by Kris Roxas,
instagram @thekrisrox
Photo by Kris Roxas,
instagram @thekrisrox
Photo by Roby Casupanan,
instagram @rowbeeee
*As a Christian, I’m not sure where I stand with how old the Earth is. It’s not a big priority to me. I have my thoughts but in the end, the Bible is more interested in the truth that there is a Creator, rather than the time of creation. And I’m cool with it.