Resilience

Artist Reflections

“I will plant cedars in the desert, acacias and myrtles and pines… that all may see and know, consider and comprehend that God’s hand has done this” 

Isaiah 41:19

This was the moment I had been waiting for—the opportunity to capture a breathtaking view inside the crater at sunrise, illuminated by the most exquisite light. Our jeep rattled through the darkness, swaying from side to side, and we were close to our destination just moments before the sun began to rise. It was perfect timing, or so I thought. 

My excitement quickly turned to disappointment when I noticed a gate blocking our path, not allowing us to reach our planned location. One voice inside me whispered, encouraging me to see the positive and trust in the unfolding of destiny. Yet, the louder voice cried out, filled with self-doubt and frustration over what seemed like a missed opportunity. A sinking feeling overcame me, and my heart dropped with a sense of defeat. At that moment, my tour guide offered a glimmer of hope—he knew of a magnificent acacia tree, unique in its ability to thrive in the harsh climates of the desert.

With newfound resilience and an open mind, I embraced this unforeseen detour and ventured towards the beauty that lay before me. It was through this shift in perspective that I discovered the profound significance of the desert acacia tree, capturing its essence in the photograph. "Resilience" invites us to trust in the unseen forces at work, to remain open to new possibilities, and to find solace in the knowledge that even when things don’t go to plan, there is the potential for unexpected beauty and fulfillment.