-Joyce Rupp
Summer is over and I am back in the full swing of an overbooked calendar, lots of travel, and much preparation for upcoming presentations.
It is not easy for me to let summer go. I love the sun, surf, and my sister’s lake house. There is nothing more freeing than flying over the water in a jet ski. It brings me back to my younger, more carefree days. I also love golfing. I enjoy competing, meeting the challenge of the game, and taking in the beauty of God’s creation. Unfortunately, as the days get shorter, the opportunities for golf lessen.
As summer has slipped away, autumn has arrived. It has always been difficult for me to pay attention to one of the most beautiful seasons of all. It seems that September and October are times to get back to working hard and long hours—vacation is over. Friends who have moved to warmer climates lament the loss of seasons, especially fall, although I don’t think anyone misses the ice of winter! As I get older I don’t want to miss anything—but try to live in the present moment and enjoy the gifts God has given me. The truth is that all we have is now.
Seasons can teach us much about life. Fall reminds us that everything changes—nothing remains the same. I want to go with that more and trust God's providential care.
In more recent years I have tried to plan a few one-day trips to enjoy the turning leaves. Maybe this year I will plan a weekend away. I encourage you to take the time to sit and watch the leaves turn, pray for the grace to let go of what was, and surrender to what is.
"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert" (Isaiah 43:18-19).
Sr. Terry is the Executive Director of RENEW International and a Dominican Sister from Blauvelt, NY.
