Greetings from an orange desk in Kansas City (not an orange covered canopy of fall leaves, as in this photo)!

With school back in the swing of things, more working people back in the office and supposed “Fall” in the air, it is a great time to think about change. Even though it still feels like summer outside, and sandals are firmly planted on my feet, I have come to value the Season of Fall with its changes and clearing away for new. (And, yes, Pete Seeger’s 1960s hit “Turn! Turn! Turn!” about the seasons changing in Ecclesiastes 3 certainly plays in my head this time of year.)

Change is one of those inevitable parts of life, yet some of us handle it better than others. Perhaps we just feel better about change when WE are the ones deciding when and what should change. I’m always surprised by the people that struggle with change — it is not always the most tenured (ahem, oldest) person in the room. In fact, one of my young nieces and nephews struggles with change, and it is not because they are inflexible in many parts of their life. It’s just that change, well, it doesn’t stay the same. This might seem obvious but, when the rubber hits the road, all of our expectations of a certain change can move around and make us feel out of control. This is a time when having a prayer practice or something stable to hold onto really helps center us again. (Maybe it’s reading the Bible each morning or centering prayer in the evening; perhaps it is driving around with music playing or your daily walk.)

⁶ So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

Some versions mention God never leaving us…and, if you like puns, you can think of God never leafing us, relating it to Fall each year as the leaves turn golden hues.

What is changing in your life right now?

What do you need to Turn! Turn! Turn! away from, or even toward? Write this down in your journal or in an email to yourself and ponder it. When we can recognize the change that is happening in this season of our lives, we can then think through 1) what we need to let go of (grieve) and 2) what we can look forward to (hope, dream). Talk to God about it, share with other loved ones as well. Change is a process, not a one-moment blip. And you are never alone in this change, so take comfort in being comforted. = )

Prayer: God, there is a change going on in my life, and it is ______. Guide me in wisdom and comfort to be able to let go of what I need to, while also making plenty of space to dream, get excited and visualize hope for the future. Thank you for this life that is always moving and growing. Amen.

Happy Week.

Laurel

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Coming Up:

September 23 — Parents Night Out and Kids Night In!

• Adults (parents & non-parents) are invited to a fun evening at Somerset Wine & Cider Bar (Rosehill) in Martin City for live music, food trucks and fun. (Details to follow)
• Childcare (ages 0-12) at church from 5:30-9:00 pm; RSVP to Laurel by 9/15.

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October 2 – World Communion Sunday 

• Children and youth read litany and present breads to altar as part of this memorable annual time of global Communion.

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October 16 – Children’s Sabbath

• Children lead at Holmeswood, and this day is global focus shared with faith communities around the world. Started and resourced by the Children’s Defense Fund, “The National Observance of Children’s Sabbath, is a time for people of all faiths to unite in shared concern for children and common commitment to improving children’s lives and working for justice on their behalf.”