Wildflowers in a Blackened Earth

As we’re well into summer now, you may find it helpful to return to Jo’s reflection from July, The Long Game of Slowing Down, or mine from last summer entitled, Mission, Self-care, and the Abundance of Summer. Both of these are invitations to slowing down, and to resting in the abundance and bounty of God.

Summer is the season when nature is in full flow!! We’ve experienced a summer like no other so far. Heatwaves and lack of rain have been great for tourism, but not so much for the land. One of the places that my family visit often is the Cairngorms National Park. It is a real soul space for us, a place to rest in the grace of the world (Wendell Berry). However, this past couple of weeks we’ve witnessed devastating wildfires that ravaged through the mountains and forests near Aviemore, some of which is ancient Caledonian pine forest. People we know were evacuated from their homes and there was serious concern for the land and livelihoods of local residents.

The images and stories coming back from those on the ground tackling the blaze were truly terrifying. We prayed for rain and the wind to change direction. Flames took acres and acres of land, and the smoke travelled all the way to Aberdeen on the coast. Smouldering, blackened landscapes filled our screens and newsfeeds.

But nature always restores and heals, renews and rejuvenates itself. It’s just one of the beautiful ways that it reflects the nature and essence of God. At the time or writing, firefighters, partner agencies, and volunteers continue to be working close to the affected areas. Weather plays an important part with rain and wind greatly affecting the outcome.

One small fact I read recently has stuck with me. After a wildfire, the first glimpse of restoration can be found in the colourful, vibrant, yet fragile emergence of wildflowers. What a truly wonderful aspect of a devastating situation!! When there has been considerable loss of natural habitats for wildlife, plants, and trees, the signs of hope of renewal gently push their way through the blackened soil to find the light of the sun.

This summer, I see lots of reasons to be joyful as we revel in the abundance of summer. I also see lots of reasons for people to lose a bit of hope. Wars still ravage around the world, the climate crisis is ever-present and growing in its urgency, political divides are driving an increasing chasm between people, and all too often, rational thought and respectful dialogue seem unattainable.

But God……

One of the best realities of the Kingdom of God, and perhaps the best way to start or finish a sentence is like this…..all around us the world feels in desperate need, BUT GOD is here, woven through all the tragedy we see, all the need we witness or even experience for ourselves, God is love, and generously moves towards the broken-hearted with compassion and grace.

As you continue through this summer season, I encourage you slow down long enough to notice, to look for the wildflowers amidst the blackened earth. Where is the dash of colour in devastation? Where are the signs of hope and renewal? God is always moving, sometimes you just have to stop long enough to realise the subtleties and fragile steps he often takes, like Elijah sitting on the mountain side witnessing the gentle yet swift movements of God.

I leave you with this wonderful poem from Ann Lewin entitled, ‘Prayer is like watching for the kingfisher’:

Prayer is like watching for the kingfisher.

All you can do is

Be there where he is like to appear, and

Wait.

Often nothing much happens;

There is space, silence and

Expectancy.

No visible signs, only the

Knowledge that he’s been there

And may come again.

Seeing or not seeing cease to matter,

You have been prepared.

But when you’ve almost stopped

Expecting it, a flash of brightness

Gives encouragement.

Wherever the path takes you this summer, may you see the glimpse of the kingfisher flashing past your vision, calling you back to beauty; may you see the wildflowers in their resistance; and when your expectancy wanes a little, may you see and experience God through it all, holding all things together.

Grace and peace,

Jon 

Jon Timms

Joint CEO, Rural Ministries