by June Friesen
Have you ever wondered as I have how it is that nature moves so smoothly through the different stages of life – spring generates new beginnings and new life while autumn brings death and rest? How is it that plants know when to grow their produce? How is it that animals know when it is time to prepare for hibernation? I think the older I get the more fascinated I am with all of this – the how, the why, the what, the when. I am a human with a mind that thinks and who wants to know all about time and how to use and embrace it in my life wisely and I still struggle. In the photos above I have captured some of the changes I observed on an autumn hike a few years ago. And every time I come across this collage I am challenged – do I need to take time? In Genesis God records that all of these special plants were created by Him – and when He created humanity He told them He made all of this creation for them to enjoy – and my friends that includes you and me – this is all made for you and I to enjoy…..are you taking time or have you taken time recently to enjoy the changes that are brought by autumn?
Genesis 1:13-15
11-13 God spoke: “Earth, green up! Grow all varieties of seed-bearing plants,
Every sort of fruit-bearing tree.”
And there it was.
Earth produced green seed-bearing plants, all varieties,
And fruit-bearing trees of all sorts.
God saw that it was good.
It was evening, it was morning—Day Three.
14-15 God spoke: “Lights! Come out! Shine in Heaven’s sky!
Separate Day from Night. Mark seasons and days and years,
Lights in Heaven’s sky to give light to Earth.”
And there it was.
Yes – and there it all was – and it was good. As we contemplate creation around us going to rest what is there in the changes that you are grateful for? May it would be good to go for a walk – listen to the crunch of the leaves and twigs under foot. Maybe it has been rainy recently and you can smell the scent of the forest floor wafting up? Or maybe you see some berries that are ripe and stop to have a handful or two? Or do you hear the birds singing joyfully a song of praise? Or you reach down and pick up an acorn or two – seeing that one is but a shell already – someone had a snack. What treasures there are out in this incredible creation that God made all in one or two days. Or you come upon a creek or a lake and you stop and sit awhile – observing the reflection in the water – so delicate, so refined, – and one says to God, “How can this be? This beauty is so beyond words – how can I even say thank you God? Wow – – – just Wow! It is a play with the great lights you created that as they shine in different ways upon the waters as well as creation we are blessed with reflection. Oh God that reminds me that I too am to be a reflection of Your Presence here in this world.
Psalm 74:15-17
With your finger you opened up springs and creeks,
and dried up the wild floodwaters.
You own the day, you own the night;
you put stars and sun in place.
You laid out the four corners of earth,
shaped the seasons of summer and winter.
A RESTFUL AUTUMN REFLECTION
God as the earth is taking
A much needed time out to rest –
It still holds an intriguing call to all –
Come, reflect and rest with me.
Thank you for the reminder that sometimes life is rather flimsy and whimsical –
There are fluttering dry reeds –
And some restless dry, empty twigs –
Who in the midst of it all will rest –
Come rain, snow, frost, ice – or just regular quiet weather.
God –
I too am in need of a time out to rest –
I often hear Your gentle whisper to ‘come rest’ –
Come and reflect upon what I am doing.
Yes God, my life too is somewhat uncertain and also whimsical at times –
I too seem to be a fluttering and sometimes even sputtering –
I cannot quite grasp how it is to ‘just be’ with You –
Help me Lord to learn even in this moment –
To remember how important breathing is to sustain my physical life –
And just as important is my spiritual breathing for my spiritual life –
“God help me slow down, my spiritual lungs are gasping for breath;
My spiritual body is tired and weak because of lack of ‘spiritual oxygen’ –
My heart is entertaining an irregular beat because I have not opened it to You –
My spiritual body is weak, hungry, dragging along – because I do not take time to feed it from Your Word and in Your presence –
God, thank you for having a table prepared for me –
I now am going to sit down and I am going to eat with You,
Thank You for welcoming me back to my empty space –
And You still having nourishment here for me.
In Jesus’ Name amen.
photos by June Friesen
scripture from The Message Translation
As this season of gratitude, holidays and holy days begins, don’t forget to explore the resources here on Godspace. You can find liturgies, children’s activities and more seasonal resources here.