Exile is a word
we assign to the ancients
or to people
other than ourselves.
But there are horrific
moments in this life
that force evacuation
from our places of comfort
times when storm clouds gather
pain beats us like a drum
the dreams we cling to
go up in smoke
and dystopian fantasies
seem all too real.
But even as wildfires
real or metaphoric
drive us into the wilderness
our good God whispers:
Go. Build, design,
sculpt, dance.
Write, paint, plant,
marry, and multiply.
Use the gifts I your God
have given you.
Care for the earth
and pray for the city
I send you to
and know this:
the God who shaped you
with his own hands
yet has good plans
for you.
Jeremiah 29:4–7, 11