Several years ago I returned from my first visit to Hawaii – specifically, the island of Kauai. I knew I was supposed to be on my way to “paradise,” but I was completely unprepared for the magnificence of God’s creativity as expressed on this small Pacific island. One particular day was of special significance. We abandoned our “sun worship” on the beach and headed up to the top of a local mountain to view Kauai’s beautiful Waimea Canyon. It was as spectacular as we had been told, and its beauty was further embellished with a vivid rainbow on that day. It was breathtaking, and I was already duly impressed. Driving down the mountain, however, we had to catch our breath again. The ocean on the west side of the island was plainly visible as we descended, but the particular angle of the sun caused the horizon line between the sea and sky to disappear. It was beautiful, and disorienting, and caused us to feel we were catching a glimpse of infinity. It was as if God had given me a vision to attach to the text of one of my favorite hymns:

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast unmeasured, boundless, free,
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me, is the current of his love,
Leading onward, leading homeward, to that glorious rest above.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread his praise from shore to shore!
He who loves us, ever loves us, changes never, nevermore;
He, who died to save his loved ones, intercedes for them above;
He who called them his own people, watches over them in love.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best,
Vast the ocean of his blessing, sweet the haven of his rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus – for my heaven of heavens is he;
This my everlasting glory – Jesus’ mighty love for me!
            (S. Trevor Francis)