Verses: Hebrews 10:24-25
Fun Fact: Cuyahoga means crooked river in Mohawk
Favorite Hike: Ledges Trail
You may be surprised to know there is a national park in northeast Ohio between Akron and Cleveland: Cuyahoga Valley. It is one of the newer national parks, established first as a national recreation area in 1974 and then re-designated as national park in 2000. The park was established to protect the Cuyahoga River Valley. Cuyahoga is a Native American word meaning “crooked river.” The river runs for 100 miles, despite covering very little overall distance, and eventually feeds into Lake Erie.
The river used to be a popular trade route for ships heading toward the Gulf . Engineers constructed a 100-mile-long towpath along the river for horses to pull the ships through. The path is now a main attraction used for walking and biking in the park. Cuyahoga also has several waterfalls including Brandywine and Blue Hen.
Another main attraction is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad where you can trace the same route that was used to transport coal in the 1880s. The national park has created a scenic excursion that is a two-and-a-half-hour round trip journey.
The establishment of the Cuyahoga Valley as a national recreation area and later a national park was due to the dedicated and persistent work of the local community. As shipping traffic increased, the river became severely polluted and toxic, damaging the wildlife and wilderness areas along the banks. The river even caught fire a few times. The local residents fought to clean up and restore the area and create a beautiful environment for everyone to enjoy.
Compared to other larger national parks, Cuyahoga Valley has much more of a community feel. The majority of visitors come from the surrounding area, and the park is run partly by local volunteers. They host a number of community events, such as a regular farmers’ market. The park has no entrance fees and is situated between a couple of interstate roads and cities, so it can be hard to know when you are officially entering the park. It’s very much just a part of the local area.
This sense of community and the pride of the local residents is a noticeable takeaway from visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Community is often subtle but purposeful, and Cuyahoga Valley can remind us of that and the role that community plays in our day-to-day lives.
One of my favorite verses about community is Hebrews 10:24-25.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Within the context of the book of Hebrews, Christians are facing persecution and could be tempted to deny their identity in Christ. Many took on behaviors not aligned with the Christian faith. Here, the writer of Hebrews is encouraging—commanding—believers to be part of the local church and meet together regularly. We are urged to do this as the day draws near, likely referencing the coming of the Lord. Until the Lord returns, we need to be in fellowship with other believers so we can encourage and strengthen one another. This is one of the primary reasons for the church body.
This verse also specifically calls us to stir up (to encourage or stimulate) one another to love and good works. He’s not only calling individuals to grow in these behaviors themselves, but to help others display them. We should help others become more loving and eager to do good deeds. The verb consider at the start of the verse is a strong word in the Greek language. We may think of consider as just a thought, but this word means to focus on and be occupied by (the same word is used regarding Jesus in Hebrews 3:1).
This is not a minor request, but a key component of the Christian community so that we strengthen each other and reinforce the truths and fruit of our faith. To do this well, we must do it together through the church or through other community groups or gatherings. Whatever the forum, it is something we should not neglect.
I pray as you visit Cuyahoga Valley, you feel a sense of community and are reminded of the community the Lord has made you a part of. How do they encourage you and how can you do the same for them?
We should begin and end each day in the community of believers and in the Word of Christ.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together
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