Have you ever seen flowers in full bloom while there is still snow on the ground? It is quite a sight! Nearly shocking. In June, while the winter snow is melting and bare patches of land begin to show, small areas of bright purple appear. Its contrast against the dirty snow and rocks is breathtaking. The shock is quickly washed away with excitement—the arrival of the Purple Saxifrage is a promise of summer on its way! And a bonus, they are edible.
As the summer goes on and the Purple Saxifrage fades, the land is covered with many other flowers. They range in size from small to smaller. Whites, purples, yellows, pinks, blues, etc. Some stand upright while others can be found in bunches on the ground. Can you picture it?
Every year, as the flowers blossom, we are in awe of their beauty. Their growing season is short, but intense. They endure cool temperatures, long hours of daylight, and high winds. Thriving amongst the rocks, gravel, and moss, these flowers sure leave a lasting impression. Quite frankly, they bring us a lot of joy each summer!
The Purple Saxifrage and its companions are a bold reminder of the concept “small but mighty.” As Team Arctic is still diving deep into learning culture and language, our day-to-day ministry reflects this idea. Spending time listening to our friends pouring out their life story and empathizing with them. Sharing a meal in our homes with friends who do not get invited out often. Taking country food to elders. Encouraging someone’s artistic creativity or journey to soberness. Greeting the people we know when out and about. Celebrating birthdays and milestones. Taking someone hunting who does not have the means to go by themselves. Being a safe, peaceful, uplifting environment for our friends.
These things regularly feel small in the grand scheme of our desire for our friends to know an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus. But in reality, these things open the way for us to build deeper relationships here in our community. Just as the Purple Saxifrage stands in stark contrast to the white snow, our day-to-day walk with Jesus stands in stark contrast to the world around us.
As you ponder the flora of the Arctic, take a moment to think about your own life. Small acts of obedience to our Heavenly Father DO make a mighty difference. Has He been calling you to give? To go? To commit to praying for His kingdom work?
Please pray that Team Arctic would remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in the small things—you never know what mighty impression they will make for eternity.
Learn more about the work of Ethnos in Arctic Canada:
ethnos.ca/indigenous-ministries
