Seven months ago we moved to the desert in the East Valley of Phoenix. Before we moved, our only perspective of the desert was what we saw on TV or the movies – tumbleweeds, lots of sand, really hot temperatures, nothingness, and cactus. We were excited to see our first tumbleweed, haboob (dust storm), and 120 degree summer day. We have had a great time exploring a new culture and climate. Along the way we discovered that life in the desert can be much more than a location.
The definition of a desert is: any place lacking in something. Obviously the East Valley desert is lacking in moisture, good soil, growing things, and snow. But what about the life we are living? Are there places in our lives that feel like a desert? Are there places in our lives that are lacking something? Is our relational life feeling like it is in a desert? How about our financial condition? How about our emotional stability? How about our spiritual journey when we look at what our purpose in life is?
So how do you live in the desert areas of your life? Do you ignore them? Do you work really hard at them but don’t seem to get anywhere? Do you get frustrated? Do you quit? Do you get help? Do you feel like you are slowly dying of thirst or do you feel like your are building something that has a future?
We have learned some important truths through our life in the desert that have helped position us to advance in life.
- We have learned we need the advice and help of the people who have been in the desert before us. How do you care for a cactus? Should you be outside in the middle of a haboob? How do you avoid scorpions? In the middle of your desert, who has been there before that can give you advice?
- We have learned that our success depends on our ability to change perspective. Before we moved 118 degrees seemed like it was impossible to live through, but after a summer in the desert, we changed our perspective. 118 degrees gives us opportunities to swim all summer long at any point in the day. It also gives us plenty of opportunities to enjoy restaurant patios equipped with misters. Does your perspective of your desert need to change – opportunities not obstacles.
- We have been reminded that people are what matters most to God and to us. When we have been in places that feel like they are lacking something, we have been reminded that people are what matters the most. When you find yourself in a desert, remember that you are not alone and that people matter. Leaning into people will help lead you out of the desert.
Cheering you on as you navigate your life in the desert.