Read Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8
Greetings in the Name of Christ!
As I gazed out the parsonage window this morning, I caught a glimpse of the first few leaves on the maple tree beginning to turn vibrant beautiful reddish orange. I was stuck by their beauty. I entered into a new decade this year in my life span. With that entrance are new thoughts, new worries, new hopes, and a few new fears. As I reflected on those leaves, it was as if God was reassuring me of the aging in my own life. It is a time of transition, but it holds much beauty.
Autumn is a time of reflecting on our lives. What do we need to let go of so we may simple live? What beauty lies within us that are kept hidden in the business of our daily lives? What relationship needs to be blessed with my presence?
I share with you a poem by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wirderkehr. May it speak to you of this beautiful time in the cycle of life.
In Christ’s Light and Love,
Pastor Pat
An Autumn Blessing
Blessed are you, autumn,
chalice of transformation,
you lift a cup of death to our lips
and we taste new life.Blessed are you, autumn,
season of the heart’s yearning,
you usher us into places of mystery and, like the leaves, we
fall trustingly into eternal, unseen hands.Blessed are you, autumn,
with your flair for drama
you call to the poet in our hearts,
“return to the earth, become good soil;
wait for new seeds.”Blessed are you, autumn,
you turn our faces toward the west.
Prayerfully reflecting on life’s transitory nature
we sense all things moving toward life-giving death.Blessed are you, autumn,
you draw us away from summer’s hot breath.
As your air becomes frosty and cool
you lead us to inner reflection.Blessed are you, autumn,
season of so much bounty.
You invite us to imitate your generosity
in giving freely from the goodness of our lives,
holding nothing back.Blessed are you, autumn,
your harvesting time has come.
as we gather your riches into our barns,
reveal to us our own inner riches
waiting to be harvested.Blessed are you, autumn,
season of surrender,
you teach us the wisdom of letting go
as you draw us into new ways of living.Blessed are you, autumn,
season of unpredictability.
You inspire us to be flexible
to learn from our shifting moods.Blessed are you, autumn,
feast of thanksgiving.
You change our hearts into fountains of gratitude
as we receive your gracious gifts.
Joyce Rupp & Macrina Wiederkehr