Reflection

The arrival of fall brings with it cooler temperatures, falling leaves and a time of transition. Just as we prepare our homes and wardrobes for the colder weather, let’s take some time to prepare our hearts and minds for the changing seasons of life that we all experience. Life is filled with transitions—seasons of joy, sorrow, abundance and scarcity. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, we are reminded, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

In times of change and uncertainty, our faith can be our anchor. Just as we layer up to stay warm in the colder weather, we can layer our faith through prayer, scripture, and family and community support to keep our spirits warm. But the changing of seasons can sometimes take a toll on our mental health. The shorter days and colder weather can lead to feelings of sadness or isolation. Here are some tips to help you with that.

Cheat Sheet for Seasonal Preparation

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

·         Practice Gratitude: Take time each day to count your blessings. A heart filled with gratitude can bring warmth even on the coldest days.

·         Stay Active: Continue to exercise and get fresh air, even when it's chilly. Physical activity releases endorphins that boost your mood.

·         Stay Connected: Reach out to friends and family. The changing seasons can sometimes make us withdraw, but community can be very helpful for our mental well-being. (Good time for hosting game nights!)

·         Self-Care: Treat yourself with kindness. Maybe it’s in the activities that bring you joy, or in the way you talk to yourself when you make a mistake. Remember that you are a beloved child of God!

Fall teaches us the beauty of letting go. Just as the trees release their leaves, we too can learn to let go of the things that no longer serve us. In these times of change, remember the promise in Isaiah 43:18-19, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

May God bless you and keep you as you journey through this beautiful tapestry of life's seasons.

- Pastor Valerie Alipova