By Karen Biggs, Stephen Minister
This past Sunday Pastor Andy’s sermon, based on Genesis 21, told the story of Hagar and Ishmael being cast into the wilderness. Hagar’s husband Abraham reluctantly drives them away to live apart from himself, Sarah, and Isaac. Hagar is rightfully devastated at what looks to be a death sentence. Yet, God has another plan for her and her son. Hagar and Ishmael collapse in the desert, cry out, and God provides a source of water and a path to new life. Yahweh takes this story of rejection and cruelty and makes another way.
I was recently reminded of the wilderness while hiking a local trail. The trail was green and lush at the beginning, but the higher I went, the stonier, drier, and more barren the terrain became. However, in this harsh environment I saw patches of white and yellow flowers called mountain-avens. These perennials grace the dry, windswept, shallow, nutrient-weak soil atop the Chugach front range. The blossoms arrive on the scene without any assistance from a human gardener — they appear as a loving gift from the Master Gardener. These delicate flowers survive the harsh arctic climate, proclaiming God’s message of hope that all is not lost, even in what appears to be a wild, bleak place.
Our life journey often meanders over rocky terrain. We feel beaten down, parched, and demoralized by financial woes, job losses, hurtful relationships, health calamities, and a world seemingly on fire. It can often look or feel like the end of us, with sadness overwhelming our heavy hearts. During those heart-rending times, God hears our cries just like he heard Hagar and Ishmael weeping in despair. Jehovah’s always-compassionate presence never leaves us, and we can always turn to God for guidance along our way.
Mountain-avens
By Karen Biggs
Eight delicate petals
Perched high upon the hill
How did you make the climb?
Who held you by the hand?
You squeeze into the crag
You adorn the rocky face
You wink and wave
Undaunted by chinook gales
You wait without a word
For the release of winter’s grip
Leaves stretch, petals burst
You dance wildly like David
To that joyful solstice song
Of hope, love, and brilliance
Even in the wilderness
Prayer: God of all Beauty, make a way for us through the unavoidable wilderness seasons of life. Sustain us with your loving power and generous provision. Bring joy back into focus so that we see You everywhere. Amen.