“Fall for Jesus. He never leaves.”
Autumn, also known as fall, is my favorite season for the changes in the color of the leaves; the fresh, crisp air and apple cider (hot or cold) is my preferred beverage during this time.
Contemplative photography is one of my favorite spiritual practices. Capturing images I can later observe is fascinating for self-reflection and spiritual retreats and, at times, helpful for sermon preparation. I love capturing images of the seasons!
This image is of trees on the parsonage lawn. I was outside with my fur baby Sally, and when I looked up into the sky, I noticed that the leaves had begun to change in color. I went for my phone and took the snapshot. After observing the photo, I noticed something else I was not expecting. Before I go on to share, what do you see in this image? Is there a message for you to reflect on today?
I observed a colorful tree next to a predominantly green tree and the evergreen tree in the upper right-hand corner peeking in. I began to reflect on how I often embrace change, how there are times that I take longer to accept it, and how sometimes I am reluctant to embrace any change by holding on to the past or the familiar. I have learned that challenges bring new opportunities and possibilities when I struggle with change and that I experience new-found freedom and joy by letting go of the comfortable and familiar. Even the evergreen tree must let go of its pinecones in its reluctance to change the color of its pine needles, right?
If you are going through a season of change, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6). As someone out there in the world once said, “Fall for Jesus. He never leaves.” Happy autumn!
In Christ,
Pastor Iraida