A TIME FOR INWARD RENEWAL
Autumn is truly upon us, and we are reminded of this in October. Churches, schools and other institutions hold Harvest Festival services each year at this time, and we can celebrate all that has gone before so far this year.
It has been a challenging time for all who plant and grow fruit, vegetables and flowers. Locally we have escaped some of the negative aspects of the heatwave, with no real water restrictions and no devastating fires. And some crops have thrived in the conditions, but others, both in the UK and abroad, have not done so well.
So now it’s time to put the gardens and allotments to bed for the winter. It is a time when the soil needs to renew, ready for the next season. We, too, need time for renewal – St Paul wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians: “Our inner nature is being renewed every day.” (2 Corinthians ch. 4: v.16).
We may not be able to spend quite so much time outside in autumn because of the weather conditions, but it is an ideal time to focus on our inner nature – especially before we engage in all the preparations and business of the Christmas season.
Perhaps you could spend a little more time in prayer, Bible study and worship? We should follow nature and be prepared for the season ahead. And we can journey together as a church family in this time of renewal. There are plenty of opportunities: each season offers its own blessings upon us and we should “learn, in whatever state I am, to be content” (Philippians ch. 4: v.11).
We have so much to be thankful to God for in our lives. At this time of the year we give thanks especially for the harvest, food and creation – and let us rejoice together in every season.
Best wishes and blessings,
Reverend Debra
