The golden high-desert of northern New Mexico is a far cry from the deep green wetness of coastal California.
The deep green wetness was where the wild welcomed me back home. It was where I had studied and honed my vocational call as an eco-minister at the Pacific School of Religion and the Graduate Theological Union. However, as I acclimate myself to the golden high-desert of northern New Mexico, I am discovering that eco-anything is anything but green.
To be eco-anything here in the wilderness of this place, I’ve learned to appreciate the golden haze, the rusty, rich tan of the dust that turns to clay in the rain (if it ever reaches the ground), the semi-sweet, semi-spicy, earthy smell that emanates from sun-heated rocks, dried dust, juniper pollen, and piñon trees. Eco- here is knowing limitations, living in extremes, longing for water, and surviving despite it all.
There is so much to learn from this desert wilderness. May we discern its wisdom for finding our way amid the climate breakdown. Finding desert ways instead of green ways forward, this new desert-dweller thinks, is key to being eco here in the golden high-desert of New Mexico.
Golden Light, guide the way
Golden Light
Who dances with dust
releasing the sweetest fragrance
pervading all creation
guide my steps
as i stir up that same dust
so that i may find Your way
a way that brings life
to Your beloveds
