On September23, quietly and unannounced, fall crept into our lives and, as we began to align ourselves to its rhythm, we became aware that the days were becoming shorter and darkness would soon be the longer part of the 24-hour cycle of day and night.
Why is it that so many of us feel a certain nostalgia at this time of year? What is it we are remembering or yearning to hang on to? For some of us, it is the memory of early summer mornings, the chirping of joyful birds, the blooming of fragment summer flowers, the smell of newly mown lawns and the heat of the sun, warming our aging and tired bodies.
For others, it might be the memory of childhood summers so long ago. The faces of childhood friends – long forgotten, family picnics and days at the cottage which seemed to go on for ever. Perhaps even the magic of evening stars and the silver light of the moon shining romantically on still waters.
In reality, we know that fall is just another phase in the yearly cycle of our lives. But it is so much more than that. It is a time for letting go. It is a time of preparation for what is to come. It is a time for self-assessment, for readjustment, for gathering in and spiritual preparation and for giving thanks for all that has been.
As I watched the leaves begin to flutter down this week, I penned these words:
Sun kissed leaves, baptized in life giving rain,
the hopes, the dreams, the culmination of our summer
cling desperately to wind beaten branches
in a desperate attempt to defy death itself.
Suddenly, remembering Creator’s promise of Resurrection,
they abandon their fears and release themselves in glorious colour,
donning wings of faith as they dance, uninhibited,
into the Realm of the Unknown - back to Creation, back to God.
The words in Proverbs 3: 5 say:
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; God is the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume you know it all……..
Taken from “The Message”
I invite you to put aside any fears you may have. Go ahead – jump, with childish abandon, into the autumn leaves of life.
Beryl