When I was visiting Jasper last week, the impact of the recent fire of July 2024 was very much in evidence. The fire last summer caused the town to be evacuated, and burned 32,000 hectares of forest. It was an upsetting sight to see the charred remains of the trees, looking like broken spindly sticks against the snowy landscape. The fires started because of lightning strikes, and spread quickly.
Locals are worried that tourists won’t come because of the damage, but I would encourage everyone to visit Jasper. It is still stunningly beautiful, and visiting brings money into the area and encourages the recovery of the local economy.
One of the local people told us stories about the fire, and the heroism of local people who helped evacuate people to places of safety. He also explained about the regeneration that can happen in a forest even after a devastating fire. There are of course different circumstances dependent on topography and wind direction etc. But even after the worst fire, regeneration gradually begins.
The charred remains of the trees, the ash, brings nutrients to the soil. Hardy grasses stabilise the soil, and many of the trees self seed. Gradually the process of ‘succession’ the recovery of the forest takes place. It can take a long time, but new growth of various types begins to emerge.
I found the symbolism of this to be deeply moving. Seeing the hectares of charred tree skeletons was awful, but even in this bleak landscape, somewhere down below, seeds are germinating and trees resprouting.
Sometimes our lives can feel devastated by some tragic event or difficult news. It can be catastrophic, like everything has burnt to ashes, and we are deeply disheartened. But it is good to remember that even after the worst disaster, new life can emerge, even just the tiniest green leaf. We just need to be patient.
In the Bible in Isaiah chapter 61 verse 3, God speaks of bestowing on His people ‘ a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, a garment of praise instead of despair.’ Tbis is a wonderful promise of hope for those who feel their life is bleak or irrevocably damaged. Times of lament and darkness are real, but they do not last forever. Beauty can come from a heap of ashes, thanksgiving and praise after the darkest human experiences. Even after the fire, new possibilities for growth can emerge.
Eternal Father, You are our Creator, and You alone know the end from the beginning. We despair over all the disasters in our world, the devastation and pain. The landscape can be heavy and bleak. Lord Jesus You came to bring forgiveness, the promise of resurrection and new beginnings. Help us place our trust in You. Even after experiences of trauma and loss, may we notice evidence of greening and small seeds of hope sprouting around us. Holy Spirit, may we believe that there can be beauty out of ashes, and we pray and work for this. For seeing your love and beauty touch and transform peoples lives, and indeed this whole world is the yearning of our heart. In Jesus name, Amen.
An umbrella of healing love 