‘If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour.‘ (Victoria Erickson)
Each year I fall in love with autumn again. There’s no doubt that it’s my favourite season.
So what has autumn taught me this year?
🍂Creation-therapy rejuvenates the soul!
Kicking autumn leaves at Stormont was a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon!And a road trip to the West of Ireland reminded me that wee island is jam-packed with awesomeness waiting to be explored!
I was awestruck in County Mayo watching the Atlantic waves crash into Downpatrick Head.As we stood on the cliff edge, I was reminded of the words of an ancient poem:
‘Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!’
(Psalms 93:4 ESV)
🍂Stresses aren’t going to disappear
Trials & troubles are part of life. There’s no escaping them. But we can alter our perspective.
Jon Kabat-Zin notes:
‘You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.’
🍂Joy is a choice
When we studied James 1 last week Pastor George spoke of the phrased ‘Consider it pure joy.’
Joy is a choice. Yet often, despite my blessings & privileges, I’m more Eeyore than Tigger. I’m gloomy rather than bouncy. The glass is half full dwindling toward empty.
Autumn reminded me of this verse:
‘The joy of the Lord is my strength’*
(Nehemiah 8:10)
And David’s prayer in Psalm 51:12
‘Restore to me the joy of your salvation’
*I love Rend Collective’s song based on these words of truth.
🍂Human life is sacrosanct
{no matter how much popular opinion disputes this}
Life is sacrosanct-too valuable to be interfered with. We are hand-designed by God, made in His image with eternity at our core.
‘May you realise that the shape of your soul is unique,
that you have a special destiny here,
that behind the facade of your life
there is something beautiful & eternal happening’
(To Bless the space between us- John O’Donohue)
Our Maker knows us yet still loves us & wants us to know Him more.
We read this verse in Calvary Church near Seattle in the summer:
‘With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.’
(Psalm 119:73MSG)
🍂Autumn is a Season of change.
This Autumn our family rhythm has changed more than before. My daughter has started uni. My husband has switched careers after 20 years in teaching. Everything feels in flux. Nothing stays static in the natural world- or in our daily lives.
But,’Sometimes, the good has to end before the better can begin.” (Jeff Goins)
‘Winter will one day turn into spring, but it requires the autumn of letting go in order for it to blossom as it should.’
(Catherine Campbell-Journey With Me)
🍂Tis the season for letting go
The trees demonstrate how beneficial {& beautiful} it is to let go. We can’t hold onto everything- we can’t do it all.
‘Our assignments have been prepared for us ahead of time. We don’t have to do the impossible. We just have to listen to the voice of our Shepherd moment by moment’
(Rebekah Reynolds)
As we fall into winter & roll toward Christmas, may we pause long enough to connect with our Designer & those we love.
‘May all that is unlived in you
Blossom into a future
Graced with love’
(To bless the space between us-
John O’Donohue)
Blessings,
Ruth x
Blessed! 