The Pain and the Beauty
by Rev. Dr. Amy Chilton on 06/01/23
The Pain and the Beauty I used to live near and often visit the Huntington Gardens in San Marino, CA. Rumor has it that the cactus garden there was the inspiration for some of Dr. Suess’s illustrations. Were you to walk those magical paths, you could easily see why. Tall, squat, or barrel shaped, mostly covered with spines ranging in size from nearly invisible to larger than a yarn needle, these plants are unexpectedly magical. During the bloom season, the cactus garden is full of pollinators buzzing from plant to plant, where some of the garden's most beautiful and delicate flowers grow on some of its most frightening looking plants. Friends, I have to stop in my tracks in awe when I see a cactus blooming. How can something that can cause so much pain also give the world such amazing beauty? I have been struck this week at how like a cactus garden life is. Pain and beauty walk side-by-side, sometimes showing up simultaneously, like in the birth of a child. Sometimes they are like waves, threatening to drown us and always retreating and making space for what is to come next. Sometimes they surprise us, such as in the death of a loved one or a vividly painted sunset. I know we want beauty. Glory. Flowers. But sometimes life gives us pain. Death. Thorns. This thing I am sure of: God is present with us always. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us of God’s promise to Israel as they traveled to their promised home: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” In birth and in death, God is with us. In pain and in joy, God is with us. In confusion and in certainty, God is with us. In anger and in peace, God is with us. Friends, whatever this week holds for you - be it pain or beauty - I pray that you know God’s presence. Blessings, Pastor Amy
