Today the edges of the woods have begun to change color. The last of the annuals are dying and the focus of the eye is on the leaves as they shift from green to bright colors.  But in the "mind" of our trees, each brilliant leaf is unimportant because it has finished its work of turning sunlight and minerals into sugars and proteins. Now the trees are looking to survive the lack of water and light in winter. As light decreases, the cells of the trees change so that less and less resources go to the leaves. In October photosynthesis stops altogether and chemical energy seeps down deep within the tree's roots. The leaves fall when the cells between the wood and leaf finally dissolve. Equinox, September 21, symbolizes a momentary balance in the turn from creating wealth to storing it. Now begins a time for plants for dissolving, returning to the earth and restoring the soil.

Such turnings reflect balance within us as well. Perhaps one of the great challenges of being human is to stay in the moment, be alert to the here and now, while at the same time plan and prepare for the future. One of the most common religious teachings is not to be afraid and not to worry. But how can we not worry when we know the winter is coming, literally and figuratively? Yes we can look to the invincible spring, but a wise soul holds to more than that. I hope we can be like the trees. In the way we live we can create and set aside resources needed to face times of scarcity; in the way we prepare for the future we can make the present moment as rich and beautiful as a wood turning to red-gold and orange. In a time of harvest we can set aside seeds for the sowing.

To help our community prepare for the winter we are collecting food for the Friend’s food pantry. Please bring canned and boxed goods in the baskets placed in our Foyer. To prepare our church for the winter will assess what resources and plans we have stored up by holding our October congregational meeting on October 11. Please plan to attend.

Peace,
Thomas