Beauty in the Changing Seasons

By Lynne , fcJ, first appeared at FCJ Sisters Blog

I went out for a walk in the forest a couple of days ago, it was a rainy day and we were tempted to stay at home, but the forecast suggested it might clear up so we headed out. It was stunning! The trees were beautiful with their autumn colours, and as the light changed towards the evening, the fallen autumn leaves seemed to glow along the path. There was nothing unusual or artificial in this beauty, just nature quietly responding to the change of season.

This morning in our community prayer we listened to the reading from St Paul’s letter to the Romans (14:7-12) which begins The life and death of each of us has its influence on others. It made me think of the individual influence of every person, whether quiet and hidden, or public and well known. Each person, with their joys and sorrows, has value and purpose and that their life has its own unique beauty which shines out.

Somehow there seems to be a connection here – the beauty of the forest and the beauty of a person, seen so clearly as each responds to the changing seasons of their life.