My toes are a bit cold and I notice that the thickness of summer has finally eased. Autumn is here and somehow I’m surprised by its arrival. Part of me just wants to hold tight to the world of green and warmth, yet other parts of me are desperate for fresh air, warm colors and soothing rhythms.
This marks the first week of normal sessions at our Montessori Center, which means we’ve officially been ushered into a steady structure of goings and comings. This time of year feels to me, like that moment when you get into a kayak and finally push off into the water with one big glide and stroke of the oar.
So much happened this summer, as summers tend to hold so much life. I made a list of all the victories yet even this last week was bursting with difficult intensity. My sensitive spirit feels weary this morning as it faces the familiar pulsing overwhelm of piles and unfinished projects and big needs of the ones entrusted to my care.
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Lord, help me to slow down this morning. I’m setting it all on a sturdy table cloth, carefully folding up each side and tying it together and asking you to hold this bundle for a while. There is the knotty lump of it all, I know you see it, sitting snug at that spot where the bottom of my throat touches the top of my chest. Will you take it? If only for a few hours?
With my bare feet and their cold toes firmly planted in this still-green grass, I ask you to breathe your Spirit of Peace into my lungs. Let today be the morning I remember and cherish the last signs of summer. Help me say goodbye to all that was so very good and all that brought me heartache. Nourish me and make all things new through the surrender that is Fall.
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As a deeply sensitive person, it’s not uncommon for me to emotionally struggle and yet be quite excited about new seasons. There is nostalgia mixed with the wondering if I made the most of the past weeks and days, hoping so earnestly I’ve given my best while recalling many imperfect moments where things didn’t come anywhere close to the grand ideals I can’t help but set up in my heart.
I’m a dreamer and a striver by nature. While I don’t want to squash such integral part of who I am, I’m also teaching myself better acceptance of what is realistic. I’m trying to fostering more gratitude for both the things that went my way and the things that didn’t. He is present and working in it all.
If you also have a hard time looking back and seeing how things unfolded compared to your expectations, I pray peace for your heart and mind. I hope you may trust in the One who knows and loves you, wills what is best for you, and upholds you right where you are.
May you give Him all your unfulfilled ideas and remember the joyous gifts perfectly given this summer.
I hope you enjoy the accompanying video of my goodbye-and-thank-you to summer.
Happy Autumn to you, dear one.
Love,
Serra Ann
I had fun capturing some of the end-of-summer beauty around our cottage.
On the day of writing this reflection, a close friend sent me this message: “I was thinking about your gorgeous lavender blooms this week- and the reminder that they were shocked and struggling for a while and then blossomed into the most beautiful blooms. so much hope.” I immediately knew it was the best day to say a grateful goodbye to the last of our garden’s summer blooms and make a bouquet for this courageous friend of mine. I held each of you in my heart as well while making it, and sent a wish for your own bundle of beauty to greet you today.
Before you leave, please share your wisdom on navigating transitions into new seasons below
<3 Peace be with you.
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