By Fr Ken Spreadborough
Autumn is here.
When I was teaching in Stanthorpe, Autumn was one of the most beautiful times of the year with the multi-coloured leaves on the deciduous trees.
Some people talk about the Autumn of our lives when we use larger numbers to tell our age, but Autumn can teach us so much in our whole lives.
Nature’s transition from the warmth of summer to the crisp embrace of Autumn mirrors the ever-changing landscape of our own lives.
Here are three life lessons from the Autumn season:
1. Embrace change as nature does.
As Autumn settles in, we witness nature’s graceful surrender to change. Similarly, life is a series of transitions, and Autumn reminds us that change is an inevitable and beautiful part of the journey
2. Let go of what no longer serves you.
In the gentle Autumn breeze, we find a powerful metaphor for letting go. The trees release their leaves, surrendering to the flow of nature. Letting go is not a sign of weakness but an act of courage and wisdom.
3. Embrace Impermanence.
The beauty of Autumn lies in its impermanence. The breathtaking colours are fleeting, reminding us of the transient nature of life itself. Autumn shows us that moments of beauty are meant to be cherished even as they pass. Embracing the impermanence of life allows us to saviour the present moment and find beauty in the fleeting.
There are over 30 references to Autumn in the bible including Ecclesiastes 3:1 “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” and Genesis 8:22 “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”
