Falling Leaves, a death scene or a musical dance?

“Glory be to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:21)

As we enter into the Fall season it is tempting to feel somewhat depressed as the sunlight lessens and the air becomes cooler. Recently I have discovered that I am susceptible to seasonal mood changes. Doubt tends to creep in along with the chill. We may doubt God’s presence in the midst of struggles we face, especially in times when we feel too busy to spend time praying. It may seem hard to believe that God can be present when we are confused, tense, or frustrated. At times such as these it is good to pause and just breathe in the Holy Spirit, allowing our minds and hearts to focus on the hope that results when we turn to God’s strength and goodness. It is all about perspective. As I watch the leaves begin to fall I can see this as a sad death dance or a joyful precursor to renewal. Joyce Rupp in her poem, The Falling Leaves, there is a stanza that goes:

“this gigantic death scene of leaves

does not smell of sorrow and sadness,

rather, the earth is colored with joy

and the leaves make music in the wind.”

Now that is the way to turn a negative falling leaves death scene into a joyful musical scene! I love Rupp’s way of reframing what could be perceived as depressing into beauty. It is a great honor to be invited into your lives in times of struggle and to pray for you when you are in need. Some people say it must be depressing to always be going to the hospital or to be hearing about people’s problems. But I say: "What a blessing it is to be given the opportunity to act as an agent for God’s tender loving care and as a messenger of God’s hope and comfort in times of distress!" I hope you will never hesitate to invite me to pray with you, for you, or for those you are concerned about. I know many pray for the staff here at PCM and we appreciate it so very much! Your prayers keep our PCM ship afloat in the rough and calm seas of church life. Blessings for a beautiful Fall!


(Falling Leaves image, Jeremy Montalvo)