At first blush it is obvious that this picture is of a beautiful waterfall. Your eye draws you in and you imagine yourself at its foot, blanketed within the deafening roar of the waters, feeling the cool spray wash over your head and smiling at your friend as you both notice in unison the rainbow that has formed within the prismatic water droplets... spectacular.
I see all that as well, but can also see the long term erosive effects of the falls and all of the missing landscape that has fallen victim to it's relentless destruction, inches per year, but cumulative and overwhelming. The process is so slow that nature is able to regain a footing and hide some of the effects of the scar, but the area has been forever changed. Who knows the beauty that may have been within those slow rolling waters that will never again be experienced?
I see this as an example of how moral sin works on our lives. At first glance the fun being had seems to have a positive appearance. However, if you view it from a large enough perspective of time and space (Like God does) it is obvious that a large and foreboding wound is being opened that will develop into an insurmountable chasm between you and the incomparable life that He wishes for you.
Are you looking for the awesome waterfall of "in the moment" experience or the forever crescendo of the universe? Because He loves us He allows us to choose. I for one am grateful for that ability, and take it seriously.
