When Despair For the World Grows In Me
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28
These past three weeks have felt like a whirlwind—chaotic, overwhelming, and heavy with uncertainty. I wonder if you, like me, are feeling the weight of it all. The nonstop news, the constant tension, the ache of wondering what comes next, who is hurt next, what laws are broken next1—it’s enough to leave anyone exhausted, in body, mind, and spirit.
This weekend, I realized I needed to step back, even if just for a day, to breathe and re-center. We live on a beautiful 10-acre farm, and I took time to reconnect with the earth. I harvested broccoli, pulled weeds, collected eggs, and canned collard greens for the year ahead. I dug my hands into the dirt, watched the dogs run wild and free, and felt the grounding pull of nature steadying me. I acknowledged my grief and fear, but I also made space for simple joys—warm coffee by the fireplace, hot tea at night, prayers whispered in the quiet, and restful sleep.
Wendell Berry’s beautiful poem, The Peace of Wild Things, came to mind as I moved through the weekend.
"When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief.
I come into the presence of still water.And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free."
There is wisdom in the wild things2—in the quiet strength of the trees, the steady rhythm of the seasons, and the gentle presence of animals who live without the burden of our human worries. They remind us that while the world feels chaotic, there is still peace to be found. The earth keeps turning, the sun keeps rising, and life continues to unfold with grace, even when everything feels uncertain.
So today, I hope you’ll give yourself permission to breathe. To take breaks. To step away from the noise and find solace in the beauty around you. Whether it’s a walk in nature, a quiet moment with a cup of tea, or simply sitting in stillness, know that you are not alone in your feelings. We all need to pause, to reconnect with the sacred rhythms of life, and to remember that even in the most challenging times, there is Love waiting to meet us.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
What practices help you reconnect with peace when the world feels overwhelming?
How can you create moments of stillness in your daily life, even when things are chaotic?
A Prayer for the Day
For Rest and Renewal
God of Stillness and Strength,
In the noise of the world, You are our quiet place.
In the chaos, You are our calm.
When fear and grief weigh heavy,
You meet us in the gentle rustling of the trees,
In the warmth of the sun,
And the steady rhythm of our breath.
Help us to pause and find rest in Your presence.
Remind us that it’s okay to step back,
To breathe deeply,
And to trust that the world will hold while we find our footing.
May we find comfort in the beauty around us,
And may Your grace renew our weary spirits.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Finding the Peace of Wild Things
Today, carve out intentional time to reconnect with the natural world. Whether it’s a walk in the park, tending to a garden, or simply sitting quietly on your porch, allow yourself to be present with the beauty around you. Notice the details—the sound of birdsong, the feel of the wind on your skin, the simple joy of breathing deeply.
If you can, place your hands in the soil, feel the texture of leaves, or watch the clouds drift across the sky. Let nature’s steady rhythms remind you that life continues, even in uncertain times.
End your time in nature with a moment of gratitude. Thank the earth for its beauty, its lessons, and its presence in your life. Carry that sense of peace with you into the days ahead, knowing that grace is always waiting to meet you in the stillness.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
February 18, 2025, 12pm ET, Being a pastor is no easy task, especially in a year like this one. Join my colleague Rev. Jim Keat and other faith leaders as we talk about not only what we are holding, but how we are holding it. Register here.
February 27, 2025, 12-1:30pm - Margaret Wheatley and I are offering a 4 or 8-session course called “Are We Made for These Times?” If you know Meg’s work, it’s going to be extraordinary. If you want the deep dive, the 8-session course is for you. You can read about the shorter 4-session course here. Scholarships are available. I sooooo hope you can be a part of this!
March 4, 2025, 7-8:30pm - Dr. Matthew Fox and I are scheming a four-part series (every Tuesday in March) for Lent that we are calling “From Darkness to Dawn: Spiritual Courage and Political Action in the Age of MAGA.” We are still confirming our co-presenters, but Andrew Harvey will be one (on March 11)! The registration page is coming…stay tuned.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more. Only two spots left!
August 11, 2025, 2pm ET - Dr. Andrew Root and I will be hosting a 6 part series on Spirituality in the Secular Age based on his research. The dates are August 11, 18, September 8, 15, and October 6, 13. Mark your calendars! More on this soon.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Mark your calendars for now. More info is coming.
I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.
To see a full list of the executive orders and random declarations from the new US administration, click here.
If you have a moment, watch this wonderful film by George Thompson called “The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself.”
My favorite 'release' is to repeat, repeat - "Let Go & Let God". Easy to remember and boy do I sleep well as I go to sleep with these words - try it!
Thank you for noticing the rich landscape of awareness that is nourished by stillness in relationship with the soil and plants. In the back-to-the-land '70's, I was a farmer in N.H. I enjoyed the rhythm of hard work in the soil, and then standing still in the field as the winds from Vermont blew across our farm. Now, my despair isn't repairable as it used to be, because I/we can no longer count on the natural, age-old wisdom of regular seasons. January was the warmest one in our historical records, and the cold has been apparently stolen from the Arctic which is warming fast. Snow may come, but it doesn't stay long, and Spring may come any moment now. I've got to reach deep within to find a rhythm that is given from the Unknown One who always brings wisdom, love, and healing. Thanks again.