Autumn is the season of change.

— Taoist Proverb

Greetings, Inspired Seekers!

Fall is a time of preparation. We are getting ready for the change of seasons, the approaching holidays and the coming of winter. It is, most often, a busy time for everyone. School sports are in full swing, high school plays are in rehearsal and the band is striking up familiar and new chords.

Fall is also a time to prepare for the impending rest and, in that rest, the breathing of life into the soil that is preparing to slumber as well. And while we, at times, surrender reluctantly, we know that it is necessary.

“I am returning to the earth so that I may be reborn,” says the leaf. And, in doing so, the fragile falls into the strong soil of the earth to be replenished and to arise again in Spring, albeit in a different form. This is the path of the Naturalist, connected to the earth and recognizing the requirements for re-growth. This story reflects the Christian story of the resurrection, the Hindu story of reincarnation and the Buddhist story of interbeing. This is a time of holistic cyclical expression.

We burrow deeply into the ground of the Spirit - sacred ground - where we also live. Where we grow, aware that new growth will spring from what appears to be darkness. But in that rich darkness, there is life. There is rest. There is nourishment and, yes, there are places where the Light warms the soil, while it remains unseen.

The space of transformation is the seemingly dark earth - fertile with richness - if we breathe into it and exchange those breaths with the breath of the Spirit. There, in the darkness, we feel each other. Namaste. Abide in Me and I in You.

Don't be afraid of the shorter days and darkness, for the Light is there; grounded in grace and ready to warm you, while resting into the newness that you will be in the world.

Grace-Fully Yours,
Reverend Deborah

Monthly Affirmation: I rest in the breath of Spirit, preparing to grow.

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington is a seminary trained, Interfaith Minister supporting people of all traditions in their journey of spiritual growth. She can be reached at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com or at 215 260 1611.