GOLDEN DAYS
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Psalm 1 (NRSV)

Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees
planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.

The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

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[The righteous] are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
- Psalm 1:3 (NRSV)
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STEPPING outside my door early on September mornings, I feel a welcome touch of coolness in the air. It speaks of a change approaching, reminding me that one of my favorite seasons is on its way. It is that beautiful season when leaves turn many warm, golden shades before gently dropping to the ground; the season of chilly nights and crisp mornings; the season when the smell of crackling fires begins to filter through the night air. This time of year certainly reflects the beauty of God's creation. But it also reminds me of my own spiritual life, of times when things fall away, awaiting the new.

Fall reminds us that all living things must undergo change of one sort or another. Nothing that is alive ever stays exactly the same.

We become really alive and vital when we learn to accept changes that may be necessary for our growth as willingly as we welcome the coolness that comes in some seasons. Instead of fearing what is different, feeling that change will harm us, we can trust the power of the Spirit of God dwelling within us to bring about what we need to set us free.

Prayer: In all the seasons of our lives, Lord, may we follow your ways. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Welcome the changes that bring growth in Christ.

-- Carol J. Consentino (Arizona, U.S.A.)

Thanks for taking the time to post that Debby.