On the Minister's Mind

by Rev. Laine Morgan

As this newsletter is published, I am travelling in the northeastern United States, enjoying the season I miss the most as I am living in Florida – Fall.   There is something about autumn that gives me joy and also awakens fresh awareness of the wisdom of letting go.

Nature has worked all summer long to maintain its greenery, its verdant foliage and beautiful flowering landscapes.  Now, here in all these colorful leaves, it is time to surrender all that beauty to the cycle of life and watch it all fall apart into a completely different kind of beauty.   One form gives way to another again and again.  It is such a remarkable reminder to allow life to unfold as nature shows us.

The continuous warmth in Florida makes the seasons a bit blurry to me, as I lived most of my life in locations where four seasons were more evident.  Not having that quarterly refresh of my wardrobe, my routines, my habits and other life supporting structures, kind of leaves me stagnant if I am not paying attention. 

Being up here gives me the opportunity to allow nature to remind me that change is good and necessary, and that fresh energy is available when I let things fall apart into something new.  I often resist when a relationship shifts, or an opportunity plays out to completion, or a chapter comes to a close, but the trees remind me that it is all natural and good.  If I can accept the end of the season, that which remains can create compost for a new expression of life for me. 

There truly is a lesson here for me, and my intention is to pay attention to that still inner voice as I go.  The chill in the air stirs within me a desire to sip warm things and explore the coolness around me as I contemplate new ways of being in other parts of my life this fall season.  I can pull on one of my seldom worn sweaters and get out there to go within.

My intention is to return refreshed and energized for the months ahead!  I have so much to look forward to as I release that which has served me well.  The trees are showing me how to do it with grace! 

Now, where is that cup of cider I was promised?!