Sunday, October 18, 2009

Rest





One glance at the calendar and all its squares we are passing takes my breath away. I inhale deeply, try to be brave and say goodbye to color. I’m waving my farewell and facing the realization of mid-autumn a little late this year. I want to slow down, make time stand still to celebrate and most of all let go of my racing thoughts to make more room for God’s. I so often pummel Him with words rather than rest in love.

I’m glad to live in an area that experiences four seasons. Some times they just seem to fly by too fast though and I realize I’ve not been intentional enough with my days and with God. Not about all the doing, but more about the being. The vibrancy of autumn has awoken me to this with all it’s leaves, fall mums in russet hues, pumpkins and the smell of fireplaces in the air. I’m memorized by the giggling I hear out amongst the mounds of leaves. But this time is so fleeting and it is soon to be winter. It’s time now to slow down, rest and cut a clearing through the mental clutter and our activity; make a way in, because the Teacher paints with the most awesome colors in the song of the Spirit in every season.

Looking at my end table, Resting Place by Jane Rubietta begs to be read. It’s a quiet escape that invites me into a more meaningful retreat of slowness and solitude. I can do this- start small and slow down a little more each day. It will help me to turn the pages in the book, the calendar and the leaves and just maybe turn my heart more as well.


8 comments:

Gil S said...

Thanks Jan for your wise words and beautiful pictures!

Peter Lawless said...

Gosh they're big oranges aren't they Jan Lyn?

Ganeida said...

Lovely, lovely pics. I love decidious trees but this isn't the climate for them. About the only thing I miss about a colder climate.

Jan Lyn said...

Thanks to all for taking the time here.

Ganeida, my road looks different this year. It is as if one side of the road wants to remain more green like summer and the other side is bursting with autumn.

Hello Peter, we just love the oversized oranges here youuuuuuuu!

Renee said...

I love your autumn photos! It is my favorite time of year..always have loved the color orange :-)
Rest, yes winter does give us a time to slow down and rest doesn't it...as usual you give us words to ponder on.....Today it was 67 here and we sat on our porch enjoying the balmy weather! Wish fall lasted a couple more months.

Jan Lyn said...

I love autumn as well, Renee. Glad you were able to enjoy siting out a bit. It's been cold and wet here for a while, but we have a gorgeous day--a bit more mild today. Thanks for stopping by....bless you and yours.

naturalmom said...

Just lovely. I can't believe how fast this autumn is flying. We took today off from school work and did "fall" things -- pumpkin painting/carving, made apple sauce and caramel apples, etc. Tomorrow it sounds like we are in for an Indian Summer day, so we will be sure to take advantage of that and be outside! I love the seasons except for winter. But I guess you have to have winter or the others don't come.

Jan Lyn said...

That sounds wonderful, Stephanie. I'd count it as a school day for sure...lots of home-ec.