Monday Meditation: Autumn Grace: As the Seasons Change So Do We

Monday Meditation: Autumn Grace

"The flowers have grown and now are past full bloom. The bright rays of the summer sun now promise to begin to soften to the gentleness of the coming fall.  



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 As we begin these comfortable routines of autumn and often anguish at the end of summer, it is also a time for us to take stock and reflect on how well our lives have mirrored the Life of Christ over these months of summer. It is a time to ask of ourselves if our lives have shown the fullness of our faith over the months of summer. We take time now to ask if we have we grown and nourished our relationships.

Photo by JAMinCLE

In the coming weeks and months as we progress into autumn it should be a reminder that as much as this season is one of transition, we can allow the spirituality of the fall to touch our lives and show us once more a renewed walk with the Light. As nature is in flux, so too are our lives. The fall can be a surprise of beauty and show us in brilliant color the wonder of nature. If we take the time, in this season, and truly listen to the whisper of grace in our lives, we can also be open to the change and surprise that God offers us each day. To know the renewed wonder His love offers us daily. We have but to open our eyes to the beauty of it all. If we can see the coming color of the autumn leaves, then be sure to take time to see and feel the burst of Christ’s continued grace in our lives."

-From the Desk of the Pastor
Rev. Anthony Wm. Morris

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This beautiful Monday Meditation is brought to you by my very own Uncle! So cool and I love the imagery! Although he doesn't live nearby, I've had the opportunity to share several special occasions in my childhood and spiritual life with him. He's been able to overcome some serious life challenges himself--and is incredibly RESILIENT! He recently sent me this wonderful reflection and it came at such an integral time!



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Yesterday it was 75 degrees and sunny...today it's 50 and dreary, but that's Cleveland for you--the weather is always in flux. That's my favorite line in this meditation, "As nature is in flux, so too are our lives." I've had people say to me recently--how do you ALWAYS stay so positive even when things aren't going well? Well the truth is, I struggle too. EVERYONE does! The seasons change, our moods change, our lives change. The wind blows, the clouds roll in, the clouds clear, the sun peaks through again. It's PART OF LIFE! In order to feel joy, we have to know pain. In order to move towards the light, we've had to experience darkness. The more we resist change, the more we suffer. So...face it...and EMBRACE IT! Nobody--and I repeat nobody is in a constant state of positivity, happiness, or season of summer. It's something you have to choose to commit to work on each day. To recognize the little joys and appreciate the changes in life. To choose to recognize the beauty and FOCUS on the positive as opposed to dreading and dwelling on an uncontrollable change.

Fall Sunset
Photo by JAMinCLE

To be honest, as much as I don't like the CLE winters, I am actually grateful for them because it makes me appreciate the other 3 seasons THAT much more since I know they are fleeting. So how will you change with the seasons? How will you embrace the graces of a new season? How will you choose to open your eyes to environmental changes in a positive light? Have you stored up enough sunshine to get you through the winter months? What's your favorite thing that only happens during fall? Embrace each season and life change as they come and choose to focus on the positive graces. Enjoy it while it lasts--because life and CLE weather are always in flux!



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