As I look out the window and take in the beauty of Your Creation, I am reminded that the universe indeed declares Your Majesty. Everything speaks of You and Your Ways.

I notice the blanket of spent leaves covering the dirt and reflect on how often You cover the hard ground of my heart. I think of the times when Your earth requires intense labor: weed pulling, harsh pruning, deep digging to break up hard soil…and am again directed to Your Ways of profound uprooting and painful reconfiguration in my own life. I reflect on bitter weather conditions; searing heat and bone chilling cold–physical seasons that echo spiritual ones. I look at bare branches and see new, tiny growth budding forth, a prelude to the strong, full tree it will become.

And so it is with us.

May we welcome and embrace each movement of Your Nature. Even though some are so severe and others so pleasing, each one is necessary and beneficial for our maturity in You.