
and an appropriate time for every activity on earth:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted;
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 NET
I returned, Tuesday, from a trip in which I celebrated a family wedding and, two days later during this same week, received the news of a family death. Joy followed by sorrow. In this life, laughter and tears pursue one another in unknown and unpredictable cycles.
Although the week’s October temperatures soared to mid-summer highs, I find courage and comfort in the still somewhat predictability of earth’s seasons, in the promises of Scripture, and in the presence of the Spirit of Jesus.
The following poem is my reflection about “Winter”.
Fall to Winter, Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer, Summer to Fall— Fall to Winter; We, forever, recycle Until abruptly, Death ends our denial. Ashes to ashes, Dust to dust; Our spirit returns To God who is just. Fall to Winter, Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer, Summer to Fall-- Fall to Winter; The cycle is ending For someone we love; We're still pretending Winter will come. Spring will soon follow. We hope for more time; Death’s hard to swallow. Fall to Winter, Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer, Summer to Fall-- Fall to Winter; Too soon comes the call. We hear it with hope And still try to stall-- Not wanting to leave, Not wanting to stay, There’s conflict within; We struggle and pray. Fall to Winter, Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer, Summer to Fall-- Fall to Winter; The battle is over. Victory’s been won! We see composure-- Peace on the face Of a loved one departed; The cycle goes on; Yet, death’s been outsmarted. Fall to Winter, Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer, Summer to Fall-- Fall to Winter; Will I cycle once more? My question’s not answered; I cannot be sure. Grace upon grace Has been given to me; I wonder, sometimes, At the goodness received. Fall to Winter, Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer, Summer to Fall-- Fall to Winter; In this moment of time, What will I do With breath that is mine? I’ll not stay too long In my lament; I can never recover Time not well spent. Fall to Winter, Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer, Summer to Fall-- Fall to Winter; I’m more peaceful this year. Though I may tremble And feel insecure, I know from experience, Grace will be sufficient. In joy and in sorrow, God has been present. Fall to Winter, Winter to Spring, Spring to Summer, Summer to Fall-- Fall to Winter . . . Jane Ault 10/3/2019
9 thoughts on “Fall to Winter . . .”