"Desert" | Reflection by Lilian Revel

When I was living in Peru as a young person, we used to take day trips into the desert. The coastline of Peru is one long strip of desert land; we would climb the rocks, enjoy sinking deep into the sand, some people even did sand-skiing down the hills. A picnic was always included and, of course, a stop at the beach for a plunge into the Pacific Ocean. What I remember well, was the view from atop a hill or mountain. It gave me a whole new perspective. It is utterly transformative. 

The desert has always been considered a place of transformation. Despite its barren aspect, it teems with hidden life potentialities. The most awe-inspiring thought is that each one of the molecules and cells that make up the universe is capable of all potentialities in the universe, under the right conditions. The human being is full of potentialities that clamor to be developed. This is our deepest aspiration: To live our life to its fullest potential. To discern what that might be, I need to enter the desert, even if it is one of my own creation, with an open heart and mind. I want to gain new perspectives from atop the mountain. As did Jesus, I wish to come out transformed. And together with Isaiah (35: 1) I will say:  

The desert will rejoice,  

and flowers will bloom in the wastelands.  

The desert will sing and shout for joy.