From fire to rebirth

Since late last summer I have been about the work of finding interesting hikes across our state. To assist my cause, my sister-in-law gifted me with a Waterfalls of Oregon coloring book. Her gift instigated adding those waterfalls to my must-hike-list. Between the hikes and the waterfalls, in these months, I have seen much of Oregon.

Late last summer, our destinations took us to parts of the state where wildfires were still smoldering. Of course, the fires no longer burn but the range of their devastation across the miles continues to astonish me.

There is certainly the shock of how many acres were affected as well as the various areas ~ this part of the state and that part…and…and…and…

Yet, walking through the woodlands I am also aware of the beauty of it all, especially the green of hope that carpets the forest floor in contrast to the charred giants that still stand despite the fires sweeping through.

Less than a year after the destruction, life boldly springs forth. Splendor. Promise.

Wherever you are this day, whatever is unfolding in your world, I pray that same hope ~ hope that continues on, no matter what threatens ~ surround and fill your spirit.

Pastor Leah