Autumn

The first day of Autumn is upon us and there is nothing we can do about it.  The seasons roll on whether we like it or not.  For some, Autumn is their best season:  crisp air, clear blue skies with occasional white puffy clouds to add some texture to the heavens; fall foliage, which in  New England is predicted to be spectacular.  For others it is a semi-sad time, with the passing of summer's flowers, warmth, and beautiful green lawns.  Signs of color already appear in the maples, indicating that the time for their "hibernation" is approaching, soon to be followed by winter's snow and ice.  For readers in Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya, this day does not mark any dramatic change of season, though welcome rain is appreciated after a dry July and August, but folks there have to experience the inevitable need to accept another step into the unknown of the season ahead.  We know in general what to expect, but always there is a twist.
And so it is with our spiritual lives:  movement into a somewhat familiar place, but yet, always the unexpected.  I think of Mary and the seasons of her life:  Gabriel's invitation to motherhood, but oh, not your ordinary motherhood!   The trip to Bethlehem, the delivery in a stable; the presentation with it's dire prediction of the sword of sorrow; the Egyptian sojourn, certainly not in her game plan; the trip to Jerusalem with the 12 year old Jesus and the heartfelt unrest at his absence; his departing on him mission, his death, resurrection and the on-going journey of his followers along with her accompaniment.  This is the pattern:  twists and turns, confident and trusting acceptance.  May the colors of Autumn remind us and help us to grow more comfortable with the seasons in our lives and the unforeseen twists that God places there..
Bro. Rene