Changing Seasons

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. Ecclesiastes 3. 1 - 8

Here in the mountains there is talk of a "false fall." Temperatures are unusually cool for August, and there is even a hint of color in the trees. Even in Florida, there has been a reprieve from the unbearable temperatures and days when the high has been under 90. Throughout history, people have recognized the changing of seasons, not only in Creation but in life. The book of Ecclesiastes written anonymously in about 450 BC includes the words above. And the popular song written by Pete Seeger in the 1950's and sung here by the Byrds echoes those ancient words. We are seasonal people, and until we recognize that, we tend to grow old and stale, like the frozen earth of winter.

The change of seasons is more noticeable in some parts of the world than others, but even the slightest change is a gift to remind us of seasonal changes in our lives. Look around and notice the changes that are taking place in your world...hints of color, lower temperatures, changes in animal behavior. And then notice changes in your lives. What is this time of your life? What are you letting go of like fall leaves? What are you taking on like the wooly fur that prepares animals for winter?

Fall can be a time of preparation as Creation anticipates the arrival of the dark season of Winter. With each sign in our world of the physical arrival of Fall, notice what is happening spiritually in your life as changes occur. Change is good, essential and so very natural. Thanks be to God for the change of seasons in Creation so that we can recognize our own seasonal changes. What time is it for you? What is God's purpose for you this season?