Two decades ago, I stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon, completely awestruck by its magnificence. This view felt like witnessing the handiwork of the greatest artist. This experience taught me that your vantage point influences how you see the world. From this vantage point, I had a panoramic view of the canyon, and it was beautiful.
While going through my trinket box a few months ago, I found pictures from that visit, flooding me with recollections. I started thinking about the desert-like phases we all encounter–those moments of confusion and despair where beauty seems scarce. Yet, unexpected perspectives can emerge within these barren landscapes, guiding us toward growth and self-discovery. We find solace in our spirituality and true selves during these challenging times.
Do these reflections apply to you? Yes. You can draw some parallels, even if you’ve never been to a desert. A desert place represents facing challenges directly, understanding personal limits, and discerning genuine connections amidst isolation. It’s where crises and significant decisions push us out of our comfort zones, demanding courage and resilience. We confront truths about ourselves and the world in this wilderness, often discovering beauty and hidden strengths.
Yet, with perseverance and guidance, we transform, ready to share our newfound insights with others. This was the case for me after emerging from the pandemic. Those closest to me commended my strength during this period. Even while facing health challenges and navigating employment rejections, I clung to the hope of BETTER. In the desert, God asked me not to toil but to trust Him for all I needed. Cultivating this trust was no easy task; sometimes, I had to fail forward. I could see the forest despite the trees only after coming out of my wilderness.
Many go through desert-like experiences but remain unchanged. Why? Perhaps because they’re reluctant to let go of comforts and attachments, holding onto familiar routines despite the need for growth. Consider the story of the rich man and Jesus in the Bible who couldn’t part with his possessions—a symbol of our struggles to release what holds us back (Read more about this story in Matthew 19:16-30).
Like this man, I was reluctant to let go of my possessions: routines, mindsets, people, and environments. I later found that my possessions were the sources of the greatest distractions to fulfilling purpose. I was forced to strip down to the bare minimum. What I have found is– to navigate life’s narrow passages, we must embrace minimalism and simplicity. I don’t know about you but the pandemic taught me I can survive without many things. For me, minimalism became my new normal.
The desert journey shapes our future, yet some revert to old habits. Like Lot’s wife, who hesitated to leave her possessions behind, we sometimes find it hard to move forward due to attachment (You can explore the story of Lot’s wife by reading Genesis 19:24-26). Our obsession with comfort and instant gratification often obstructs our journey through life’s challenges and the lessons we are intended to learn. We may also become veiled from the beauty of the desert.
During my own desert journey, a friend shared this profound wisdom: elevation requires isolation. Embracing this, I found profound insights amid my darkest moments, conquering fears and societal pressures. Though the path was lonely and misunderstood, I persevered, overcoming internal struggles and following my North Star. I hope that you will leave the desert places of your life with an abundance of fuel for the journey ahead. May you remember that beauty can be found in uncomfortable situations.
At a pivotal moment in my journey, my mother’s words struck me with their ethereal wisdom: “God is always in the details.” I gazed into the canyon, marveling at the intricate design of creation. Here’s what I’ve come to understand: the barren landscapes of our lives serve as humbling reminders, laying bare our vulnerabilities and our dependence on divine guidance. Each element, in its own way, contributes to the tapestry of beauty woven into our existence.
As we navigate the wilderness, let us extend compassion to others and radiate hope in times of uncertainty. I implore you to embrace vulnerability and authenticity, resisting the urge to rush through challenges or succumb to self-doubt. Grant yourself grace and kindness instead.
Keep in mind, that growth flourishes amidst adversity. Embrace discomfort, release unnecessary burdens, and revel in the journey of self-discovery. And when you reach the summit, honor the valleys that shaped you. True transformation lies in embracing the unknown.
So, let’s press onward, fortified by our desert experiences, and celebrate the beauty of our evolving selves.