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Looking at various parts of our beloved country after weeks of devastating bushfires, I find myself wondering how long will these fires keep burning up all that is in their path — like a voracious, insatiable hunger, consuming vegetation, flora and fauna, and everything else that cannot escape these fiery tongues of flame that twist and turn with a power beyond anything human. One firefighter said that “it was like looking up into the mouth of a dragon”...it was that scary! How long will this go on for? Experienced firefighters predict weeks, at least two, but they say they will be keeping a close eye on the situation for months, most likely because of the summer season, because of pyromaniacs (firebugs), because of the catastrophic conditions — dense dry scrub makes ideal fuel — that make for breakouts in the foreseeable future not only possible but highly likely.
Kangaroo Island’s (K.I.) lush greenery is now charred, with blackened trees burnt to a crisp, standing like tall matchsticks after the flames have gobbled up all the woody goodness out of the timber. From memory, fully burnt matchsticks would always disintegrate quickly into powder after collapsing down or shrivelling up into nothing when touched. But we will hope and pray for our trees to regenerate through God’s goodness. Grey ashes scattered as far and wide as the eye can see on the forest floor of KI’s Flinders Chase National Park making up about one third of the island. The scene on K.I. indeed looks like an eerie wilderness bereft of any life. Last night our news on the ABC reported half of the island has been burnt to cinders. The fires are still out of control and burning ferociously, however there was much needed rain yesterday for which we gave grateful thanks to God, and also, most thankfully, dissipated all the smoke filled haze in and around Adelaide. When I woke up and optimistically opened our sliding door to ascertain whether the predicted cool change had arrived, I was hit with nostrils full of polluted hot air with the unmistakably strong and distinct stench of smoke. It was rather a very unwelcome double whammy that greeted me. However only a couple of hours later the cool change arrived springing me into eager action of opening up the doors and windows after switching off the air conditioner. Blissfully, fresh air once again wafted throughout our home and neighbourhood.
The landscape on K.I. is a natural wilderness. Before the fires it was a beautiful wilderness full of life and colour. Now it has been changed into a darkened and lifeless wilderness in significant parts. The contrast is dramatically different. Many are posting the before and after pictures on Facebook. Plenty to see which bring tears to our eyes. Some images may cause you to hold your breath in disbelief, shock, and horror. K.I. has a unique place in our hearts as it is a veritable haven away from the cities of this world. Only a couple of thousand people scattered over the whole island. Tucked away safely under the Great Australian Bight, only a short ferry ride away from the capital of South Australia — Adelaide, arguably home of the best fishing in the world and our famous King George Whiting is not to be missed. The Ligurian honeybees are a protected species on K.I. free from any pests or diseases with a strict control over what can be brought onto the island so that the bees would not be affected in any way with infectious organisms which could threaten their existence. So many unique species of flora and fauna making it “the jewel in the crown” for tourism. We hope that it will be able to be restored to its former glory one day.
On the bright side, the town or village of Parndana was spared. It sits about 40 km or 25 miles south west of Kingscote. The name Parndana means “the place of little gums” (trees). Established in July of 1951 it was occupied by 174 families which doubled the island's population, according to Wikipedia. In March of 2017 while touring the island to show my American born husband, we spent a couple of hours in Parndana driving around the few streets, stopped at the general store for fuel, and enjoyed a picnic of home made sandwiches under cover of the local BBQ facility in the main park next to the school grounds. The country folk here were friendly and welcoming — we treasure these happy memories. There is no mistake that God saved this township. News reports were dire of the fires surrounding Parndana for which every single person was mandatorily evacuated...there would be no stay and fight allowed in this area due to the extreme danger the fires posed here with strong winds and gusty conditions making it impossible. We thank God so much for this miracle. Despite what was reported, despite what was seen, despite all that was encountered, God redirected and moved the surrounding wall of fire so that the people of Parndana could have their property remain intact. The town survived and their livelihood would go on without the associated interruption of rebuilding.
Will people recognise this as a miracle from God? As an optimist I hope so. Some may wonder what happened. For the most part it seems as though people want to attribute these things to weather patterns and explanations with agendas such as climate change. No matter what people might think is the issue, God is in control of everything including the weather. The fact is, the natural rugged beauty of Kangaroo Island has been severely destroyed in the western part where abundant wildlife such as koalas lived in the trees. So many lament for the injured animals — sheep, cows, horses, kangaroos, wombats, and other marsupials. Veterinarians and other caring individuals have sprung into action treating burns to feet, paws, noses, ears, tails, and bodies of the native wildlife. It is so heartwarming to see these needs being filled without thought of any reward. This is simply being done because it needs to be. Those able, attend to what they know how to do in order to help the sick, injured and suffering, through no fault of their own.
Just this morning I was given the sad news of Sooty, a koala who was badly burned in the New South Wales fires, that he had succumbed to the inevitable — death. For a couple of weeks he was nursed by a koala expert but he could not metabolise eucalyptus (gum) leaves again due to the effects of the antibiotic medication interfering with the delicate balance of his gut flora. He was given honey and pineapple juice to help with the healing process, but koalas are designed to only consume gum leaves. God made them this way. Ultimately God knows best what His creation needs. Infected wounds on animals are better helped with natural remedies and not man made chemicals. Despite our best intentions to help, we must look to God first before we decide what is right because we are floundering around, or at best, just guessing at solutions that God has all the answers for. God wants to hear from us so we should just take it to Him and seek His input. We know He will never lie to us as He cannot lie.
Other good news reports inform that the main highway between Western Australia and South Australia has now reopened after nearly two weeks of closure. Fires are still burning but the only road linking the west to Adelaide has been deemed safe enough to travel on. Seeing all the holiday makers camp out as a group together next to the isolated store and petrol station near the border, was incredibly interesting to learn more about human character. All the children were full of smiles, laughing and happy for the adventure. The parents looked like they took it all in stride and made the best of their situation too. Everyone on camera looked relaxed in this extended period of enforced holiday time — perhaps longer family time was just what was needed in some or all cases? Only God knows. I like to think that many new relationships were formed out of this adversity which may last a lifetime, while other relationships were strengthened, as many would ordinarily be back at work instead of spending 24/7 with their young children.
Lessons To Be Learnt About Life In Our Wilderness Years
We are always learning during our lifetime until our final breath. There are so many lessons to be learned, but allow me to share those at the top of my list:
Be grateful for each and every day we have to live as we do not know when we will breathe our last. To do this we thank God each morning when we wake up and give Him heartfelt, genuine thanks in prayer through the day. We must not take any time we have been given for granted. Develop a thankful and grateful attitude along our journey through this wilderness we call life.
Ensure we are living each day to its full rather than wasting any time with things that are not beneficial. This means that we should not put off what we can do today as there may really be no tomorrow for us. If we can do anything to help someone when we have the talent or ability, we should. Swap an hour of time spent playing games for an hour of reading the Bible. Imagine how much you could learn in just one year! Develop a selfless attitude of “can do” for others instead of just having your wants filled in pursuits that are shallow. Be real about it, recognise that playing games with others is fine to a point, but the solitary games on electronic devices are not going to get us anywhere. They are only time fillers in waiting rooms at best and are considered time wasters. Better to spend time with others in helpful activities.
Sustain relationships between family, friends and neighbours to ensure all is well. There was a report of two brothers who had not spoken to one another for many years due to a rift, of rekindling their connection again during these bushfires. Sad that it took a tragedy to reunite, but better this than not. It is obviously best to always remain on good terms with others for which we need to work on daily through effort. As adults we can agree to disagree in a mature manner. Resolve to become a better listener as this is a great skill to have in repairing and healing conflicts. Why not just agree to disagree and treat one another well?
Think of others and not just yourself. People’s behaviour can be challenging at times but showing kindness can go a long way in bringing peace to a situation. Treat others how you would like to be treated. Think of little ways to show kindness and follow through by doing these. Just watch to see how this can create a ripple effect. Before you know it, others may reciprocate or pass it on, which is very encouraging. We cannot change what everyone else does but if we start with ourselves, then this will have a flow on effect. Be the change you want to see in others. The wilderness will be a much better place for it.
Be prepared for anything by maintaining a close relationship with God. If you don’t have this, then set about organising it, then put it into action. God is waiting for you to step out in faith and speak to Him. Prayers work. Prayers for every situation you can think of and for everyone you can think of. We all need prayers for protection, guidance, to make good decisions, and for specific situations that trouble us including dilemmas of life. Don’t wait until tragedy strikes, be ready in prayer now to face the challenges of life, before the hard times come. They are definitely coming and will be too tough to handle on your own without God.
Take accountability and responsibility for your actions. While the world has been watching our Australian tragedy unfold, people naturally develop opinions and want to be involved. Be very careful about what is shared on Facebook and elsewhere as not all media reports are truthful. Some will misrepresent, embellish, exaggerate or twist their information to suit their purposes such as climate change. We do not want a mixture of lies and truth. Better to take this information to God so that He can direct you on whether you should share these items, or not. It has been difficult to see some people turn on the Prime Minister of Australia by blaming him in their time of adversity. Scott Morrison has as much control over the weather as the average bloke on the street or your neighbour next door. It is ludicrous to blame politicians for any natural disaster. Those that lit fires will be punished but our leader is to be respected for the time and effort he has diligently put in to manage this crisis. If people did not insure their homes then they only have to look to themselves as to why they made the choices they have. Develop strong moral character as this helps us to make wise choices.
The pyromaniacs are mentally sick because they give in to their selfish desires of wanting to make fires and watch the devastation. This depraved way of thinking can only come from one who thinks the same way as they do — the devil. Yes he is real but has most fooled into thinking he does not exist. Who wants to see humans killed? Who wants to see our landscape decimated? Who wants all the animals burnt to a crisp? The devil! Why? Because God created everything and the devil is jealous of us and everything God gave to assist us. We will all one day in the future inherit everything and live as part of the God family forever. Difficult to grasp with our limited human minds now, but nevertheless true. All spoken about within the pages of the Bible. Take up the challenge to read and find out your future.
In summary, our days as physical beings are numbered. Best to be living life with a grateful and thankful mindset giving God praise and glory through every thought, word, and deed we make each and every day. Pray daily, talk to God on and off all throughout the day while doing the regular mundane things and include Him in the fun stuff too. Develop a good rapport between self and others while looking to God for direction and guidance in all that we do. Continue on in reading our manual for life, the Holy Bible, meditate on and absorb the valuable contents, and then radiate the light we have been given through action. Be the best version of yourself you can be because you follow Jesus Christ’s example even when you are challenged and don’t feel like it. These difficult times are when we especially need to follow our elder brother’s perfect example by developing his character traits. Make your time in the wilderness count as a blessing to yourself and for others.
Until Jesus Christ returns to this earth to usher in His Kingdom, those who are the elect must continue to walk in faith, having a humble heart, giving service to others where and when we can, and allow God’s Spirit to lead us. Meanwhile Sooty the koala with thousands of other animals has died directly and indirectly at the hands of humans who have deeply desired to help but have fallen short due to the absence of God in their lives. All it would take is genuine repentance of sin through prayer to God as a humble, collective act from our nation. We can exhibit all the wonderful traits of giving and helping but without the missing spiritual dimension, things will continue on as they are until the world listens to God. Eventually, after the world is humbled we can look forward to worldwide healing from this suffering. The following scripture illustrates just how incredibly wonderful it will be:
Revelation 22:1-2 “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations”.