A Light in the Window

A Light in the Window
Susan Hoyle, pastor Trinity United Methodist Church

We’re having some beautiful fall weather, aren’t we? I hope you have some time to just sit outside or look out your window and see the leaves turning from green to red, orange and brown. There’s just something about this time of year. When we see the leaves turning those bright colors and the nights becoming a bit cooler, we know fall is in the air. God truly blesses us with the beauty of Creation this time of year.

God created the sun and the moon, the seas and the earth and the seasons began. There is such a God-given rhythm to life through the seasons of the year. We have new birth in the springtime and the earth comes alive. Then God’s rhythm continues with the warm days of summer and the new life created in the spring becomes full and lush. From the fullness of summer comes the quieter time of fall and a new rhythm begins. The fall rhythm is one of slowing down a bit, the growth is lessened and it’s as if the earth is taking a deep breath and beginning to rest. Then winter arrives and in God’s rhythm, the earth sleeps. Yet, even in its time of sleep, there is a time of preparation deep within the earth for God’s rhythm of life to begin again in the spring. God’s rhythm of life is so powerful and amazing.

What about God’s rhythm in our own lives? Each one of us has times of new birth when we feel so alive and we say “yes, God” show us the way. Then there are times of summer when we feel the fullness of life and have so much joy within us that is grounded in our faith in God. There are also times of fall when we slow down and take a deep breath. Perhaps we’re trying to figure out how to go deeper in our faith. Then, even though we would like to pass by those times of winter, we realize it is a part of God’s rhythm. This winter rhythm may feel rather cold and lonely, perhaps we feel rather distant from God. Yet, even in the winter rhythm, God is working deep within us. God is preparing the ground of our souls so we can come closer, we can feel God’s love and grace in a way we have never felt before. Through the rhythm of life, God is calling us…do you hear God calling your name? It might come in the beauty of Creation or in the whisper as you fall asleep at night. The only thing required of us is to…listen.