This hymn text began with a memory of a learning session at Holden Village, a retreat center in Washington State’s North Cascades Mountains. Please, take a trip there if you can — it has wonderful worship and learning opportunities, unbelievable natural beauty, and incredible hiking!

While I was at Holden, I learned about the importance of fire in the natural lifecycle of the forest. While fires threaten human homes and have become more dangerous due to climate change, they also serve an important purpose in renewing the forest. In fact, some seeds only open in response to the intense heat of fire.

New plants greening a blackened forest felt like a powerful image when describing the hope that persists and returns after difficult experiences — a theme found in many scriptures. We’re called to praise God through it all, holding fast to what’s good until time and healing can do their work.

This text took a long time to find its tune. I’m grateful to my editor, Adam Tice, who finally suggested COLUMCILLE, which I think is a wonderful match. You can preview or purchase the piece here. It is also a part of my collection Elemental Joy.