On my recent visit to Buffalo New York , I visited Gray Cliff, a home built by Frank Lloyd Wright, now managed by a conservancy with tours open to the public. Gray Cliff is built on a cliff overlooking Lake Erie.
The cliff is composed of crumbling rock, which erodes, topped by a more stable rock such that a cantilever is created, or overhang of the more stable rock. This natural shelf inspired the famous architect to replicate the “cantilever over a basin” throughout the home—from balconies over flower beds, to the Porte cocheres, or driveway covering which hangs over a waterfall/pond.
Erosion is serious business at this location. A five story staircase used to allow the owners access to the beach below. It became unstable and has been torn down, the stone bench overlooking the water wore away over time and had to be rebuilt, moved closer inland towards the house.
Without knowing all the engineering which allows the cantilever to hang suspended and not collapse, I do feel the overhang is a metaphor for those times I take a risk, “leap into the unknown,” when I would rather cling to solid ground, toes curled around the edge.Holy One, help me to listen to Your soft, still voice to follow the new paths You are calling me to follow. Help me feel your steadiness and trust that any leaping You call me to, will be into Your loving arms, that I will have all that I need for the new road ahead.
gray cliff – leap into the unknown
