October Joy

A reflection and prayer to start the day with Ruth Jennings

Good morning.

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." That’s a quotation from one of my favourite fictional characters, Anne of Green Gables the author being LM Montgomery. Anne, the red-haired orphan is incredibly imaginative and poetic and certainly enjoys a touch of hyperbole from time to time, but there is no irony in her remark. As she collects maple leaf branches, and joyously brings them inside one by one, she genuinely appreciates the beauty of the Earth in October.

It’s funny though because we are not all as enthused as Anne about October. In the book, her adopted Mother, Marilla is exasperated and encourages her to stop bringing autumn plants inside.

I have been part of many conversations this week, in which people are either wishing to relive the summer sunshine, or desiring to skip ahead to the excitement of Christmas.

Psalm 19 says: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

Where we are right now - the month of October is exactly where we should be, and it does declare the glory of God. This month is vibrant with colour as the leaves fall in red, orange and yellow. The trees are bursting with ripe fruit and there is little more delightful than a crisp Autumn morning.

Lord, Thank you for your beautiful world and for the variety of seasons. Please help us count our blessings in whatever season we are in and be grateful for each new day.

Amen