From The Rector’s Desk

AS the sunsets come earlier and the evening temperatures are cooler, we come to realize that the fall season will soon be upon us. It is during this time of year that I begin to reflect on a summer just gone by, a time filled with family, friends, and faith.

Someone once told me that the lessons of life are repeatedly presented to you until you fully understand them. A change in the season is also appropriate for a change in the mindset.

In the fall, many adults return to work, children and teens return to school and those who are retired engage in several activities where they find true meaning and purpose. It is important to remember not to fall into old routines that lacked joy and satisfaction. As one author says, “don’t count your years –make your years count”. For me that refers to the precious gift of each day that God has given us.

Throughout this summer, I have engaged with many people who have reminded me that their faith is very important. Oswald Chambers wrote, “our greatest need is not to do things but to believe in things”. This reminded me that the holy scriptures are essential when setting priorities. Augustine once wrote, “the holy scriptures are our letters from home”. More time could be spent studying the scriptures together with insights and awareness. You will discover new bible studies and small group ministries being introduced at Grace Church this fall.

When it comes to relationships, it is important to surround ourselves with people that help us to focus on loving, helping, giving, and caring.

I appreciate the author who said, “Jesus knows our faults and loves us still”. Maybe we could extend this grace and mercy to those around us more often. Perhaps the mistake we make is being too critical of those around us. As one author wrote, “Pick your friends but not to pieces”. Yet another author tells us, “a few words of love, can make a world of difference”.

Throughout the summer, I have been reminded that to walk alongside others, I must consider “wisdom is having lots to say but knowing when to not say anything at all”.

As we are getting closer to the autumn season, may our relationships be strengthened by God’s love and grace and in that, perhaps consider “the best way to get the last word is to apologize”. Perhaps we just need to be reminded the God sends us friendships to transform our lives. As one author put it, “friendship is God’s special way of loving us through someone else”.

May your fall season be filled with God’s love, grace and mercy through your relationships together.

Blessings,

Stephen