Thanks to Fran Haley for hosting this month, and for providing the theme of Renewal for our consideration. Find her post and links to others HERE.
We had our first hard frost last night, and this morning every twig and blade of grass is dressed in diamonds. In the realm of renewal, there is a cycle. This is the time of last harvest, a time to pull out the day lilies that didn't bloom and that I never liked, dig in some good compost, and let the garden rest over the winter. A fallow time.
I love fall: the color change, the cooler days and brisk breezes. And this week, once again, the smell of candle flame on pumpkin flesh. I do love it. But over time, seasons offer new perspectives. We change, and our expectations change with them. I don't jump into piles of leaves anymore. I gave that up years ago. I do like raking leaves: fresh air, crisp leaves crunching underfoot and the rake scritching music in my ears. Raking, I tell myself, is good exercise.
Still, as I raked yesterday, I began to think a new thought. Raking is beginning to hurt my arthritic hands. Do I really need to do it? Maybe I could get someone to do it for me? Maybe I could give up my quiet protest against leaf blowers? Maybe I could be less stubborn?
Maybe I'm giving in, but I'm calling it renewal. Each day is a gift, and with it comes change and the challenge of dealing with that change. I will probably resist for another season, but sooner or later I will have to accept changes. When I do, I'll call it healthy renewal.
For me, renewal is an aspect of our beings that points to the image of God. Our bodies aren't static, instead they constantly renew themselves. We have the capacity to learn and create. The patterns of nature give us a blueprint of renewal. Each drink of water and slice of bread renews us. Songs and stories renew us. Wind in the face renews us.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made... Psalm 139:14
Mary Oliver asks us, in the last line of her wonderful poem The Summer Day: Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
I plan to keep writing, and reading, and trying to figure out what God is telling me. I plan to keep working on renewal.
Karen, I love fall too. And the fact that you point out that it's all part of a cycle, a time of rest to come. Healthy renewal is a wonderful way to face changes that inevitably come. The yellow leaves, the blue sky, and the glimpse of light are beautiful in your photo. And I love your plans. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteKaren, good for you that you will keep working on renewal and listen intently to God. Autumn is an amazing time of you to contemplate on new pathways. These lines appeal to me: "Explore seasons offer new perspectives. We change, and our expectations change with them." Keep those arthritic hands warm and lotioned up with Diclofenac (that medicine helps). Happy November!
ReplyDeleteKaren, as we age and our bodies change the kind and amount of renewal we need changes also. I have gone from raking leaves to using the mower to mulch them. Keep working on your renewal. Who knows what it might lead to.
ReplyDeleteEven the spirit is renewed, Karen - as you so lovingly surrender to what our aging bodies will be able to handle. It makes me think of the passage "Lo, I make all things new..." -- Perhaps we won't recognize these new selfs, though I imagine, if we stop looking for the old self, we may be grace-filled enough to embrace the gift. Thank you for this reflection.
ReplyDeleteI hate the loud sounds of the leaf blower. On Halloween night, we were walking near one and my granddaughter (almost 3) steeled herself up and said, "I'm not scared of the weef bwower." I know they are efficient, but obnoxious.
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me that renewal is God's and a part of life throughout the seasons. We just feel it more intimately in fall. Like the falling leaves are telling us, "See. Things die. And things will live again."
I love every bit of this post, Karen. Couldn't help chuckling about digging up lilies you didn't like anyway. More importantly, I love the perspective of growing older and giving things up (shall we say, making concessions, like the leaf blower instead of the rake) as renewal. It implies that we rest in the Lord to keep providing for all of our needs, for all of our days. And that's tremendously strengthening. I think it almost takes until this season of life to fully appreciate and savor that, to begin to know the true depth of God's provision. Your reflections and your spirit always bless me, friend!
ReplyDeleteKaren, beautiful thoughts of renewal today. I love the grass "dressed in diamonds." So much truth here, and you captured my thoughts, as well. I too want to "accept changes. When I do, I'll call it healthy renewal." I'm working to accept this new chapter I'm in.
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