Autumn Reflections

The days get shorter, the nights longer,

and the air cooler,

As the season changes, the natural world prepares

To rest.

"There is a time for everything

and a season for every activity under heaven”

Ecclesiastes 3:1

The majestic maple tree on our front lawn changed colour,

Suddenly!

Transform its garment from green to yellow overnight.

Leaves waft gently to the ground

as the trees shed their summer dress

And prepares to rest naked in the frost.

Before it comes to life again in the spring.

See your breath before you in the cool, crisp air.

Crunchy, rustling leaves spread across the ground

As you walk on the muddy grass.

Hearing the honking sound of geese

As they fly low overhead

Gathering together in family flocks

To venture south to warmer grounds.

As we look toward the coming months of winter,

We see squirrels gathering nuts to

prepare their nests for the cold to come.

Larger animals prepare for the deep sleep of

hibernation.

The autumn harvest abundance gives food for the winter months

as crops are gathered from the fields

To be stored for future food.

As the fruit trees shed

Their heavy branches leave a rich bounty

for animals and humans to graze upon.

Harvesting, canning, and freezing the plentiful gardens,

Fruits and vegetables

To taste summer sweetly again in the dark winter freeze.

So begins the dormant winter season.

To rest, restore, replenish.

We also need to take a cue from nature.

To plan times of rest.

To restore and nurture our minds, bodies, and souls.

Our God created a fantastic world for our pleasure to enjoy!

Many of us are busy, stressed, and running on empty.

But we aren't meant to go full speed all the time.

We need times of rest and restoration.

Our pastor recently said:

"You can't hear God in a hurry"!

Pray about how you can take time each day

to stop, listen, and breathe.

Inhale calm and peace.

Exhale stress and worry.

And give your day to God as he leads you.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

Romans 15:13

Thought for reflection:

Where are you today in life?

Whether it is a "busy" season or a "resting" season,

God IS with you!

“I lift my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not slumber;

Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you.

The Lord is your shade at your right hand;

The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.”

Psalm 121: 1-6