This summer my family and I spent some time in beautiful Zion’s National Park. We were in awe of the towering cliffs and the big horn sheep that could walk and maneuver along the thinnest ledge totally capable in their environment. The narrows were by far my children’s favorite part. For some reason they liked hiking through a freezing cold river over hard slippery boulders more than on the smoother prepared trails out of the water. It was stunningly beautiful however. During all of this, we had an experience that caused me to think. There is a walking path that you must take from the bus drop down to the entrance of the narrows. As this is a very popular attraction it was almost constantly full of people both going to and coming from the narrows. As we were walking along we were treated with fun “cameos” from the local wildlife. Unfortunately, not all wildlife is harmless. Someone further up the trail was aware enough to spot a hidden rattle snake that had curled itself up at the base of a bush right next to the path. The news of the snake was kindly passed back from traveler to traveler as they neared the snake, so that all of us could cross to the other side of the path and pass by hopefully unharmed. It made me think however, when would this kind passing of information break down? When would there be either a break in the flow of people so that a person didn’t have anyone to whom they could pass the message? When would someone just decide to save themselves without thinking to pass the message along? In other words, when would the next passerby be potentially at risk and unaware of the present danger?

Anyone who spends much time in the wilderness knows that there is rarely a person there to point out all of the dangers, rather it is up to each individual to be vigilant and prepared for whatever situation or peril that may arise. As beautiful and wonderful as this world is, there is also inherent risk. This goes for the city, or a neighborhood as well as the wilderness. We must all learn to be as capable as the Big Horn sheep in our own environments. There are “snakes” of all kinds hidden in the grass along our paths everyday. Some of them walk on two legs. It is up to us to learn and prepare for our journey wherever it may be, and if possible help someone else along their way.