Pondering Fall and God’s Presence
Annette Langdon, RN, BSN, MA (Region 3)

I’ve often thought that the busy fall season is a bit like white water rafting. You get on the raft with your life jacket securely fastened and you take off.
 Invariably, you get bumped off and under the water you go. Soon, your head pops up, you grab a big breath and under you go again. Eventually, the water smooths out and you enjoy floating for a bit… which may not be until
Thanksgiving or even after Christmas.

So, how are you preparing for the rush of fall? Do you have a “life jacket” and what might it consist of? Perhaps you’ve scheduled some days/ hours for rest and renewal, or coffee/ lunch dates with a nourishing friend. What about a plan for some regular exercise or movement, knowing this keeps our minds and bodies and spirits healthy.
Maybe a new or continued routine of reading and reflecting on God’s love and care for you. It is important to consider our own needs before the rush, as the hours and days can speed by so quickly that our
self-care intentions may be swept away with the whirl of activities.

Here's another thought…

As I was mowing the lawn today, I used the self-propelled feature whenever I mowed up an incline. As I engaged the self-propelled feature, I caught myself pushing even though I knew the motor would move on its own power. When I realized it, I slowed down, let my body relax and moved with the speed of the
mower… much more enjoyable than pushing!

I like to think of God as the strength that propels us, that helps us to engage in life, to care for others and manage the activities of the day. Each day can hold reasons for fretting or being anxious about the time or how it will turn out, and yet God is purring along within us and around us with His strength and guidance. We can slow down, lean into God’s presence and relax our bodies and our minds. Then we find ourselves moving at the pace of love, breathing in God’s presence and letting His peace enfold us.

Whatever you need in these days, may your heart be reminded of God’s presence going before you and with you. You matter. Let God carry you.

The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything… Phil. 4:5b-6a

With love for you all… and prayers, Annette

P.S. on Mowing:

Years ago, I regularly visited Harold and his wife. They were both struggling with health and aging issues. One summer day as we shared thoughts, Harold said, with a twinkle in his eye, “You know you are getting old when you can’t keep up with your self-propelled lawn mower.”