As the book of Ecclesiastes reminds us, there is a season for everything. Not all of us are afforded the feeling of readiness for the changes as they come our way. For some, change can’t come soon enough. No matter the season of your life, take time to center yourself in prayer today as we embrace whatever comes next, and trust in the God who keeps us close through every season of life.
A Blessing for Autumn
Blessed are those who are ready for change.
Blessed are those with their eyes squeezed shut, hoping it hasn’t started yet, waiting for it to pass.
Blessed are those with the freedom to embrace it as it happens.
Blessed are the colors and smells and crinkling sounds that remind us that time is still passing.
Blessed are those who are fading.
Blessed is the welcome coolness of a world on fire.
Blessed is the sacred cycle that teaches us rhythm and balance, of letting go and making room.
Blessed are those who dare to believe that their days will brighten again, someday. Blessed are those who do not know what will be next.
Blessed is the wisdom that teaches us to quiet, to listen, to allow the darkening days to do their work of renewal.
Blessed are those who are falling, who are weeping, who are waiting on bated breath, who are fearing to find that fragile hope once more.
Blessed is the God who catches all who fall, who is weeping with us, waiting with us, fearing with us, hoping with us. Always with us.
Blessed are those who bear witness to the love story of rising again, over and over.
Photo by Oliver Hihn on Unsplash
Kate Williams is the Vice President of Sacred Music at GIA Publications, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Music Composition degree from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois as well as a Masters of Arts in Liturgical Studies degree from Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago where it was her privilege to study as a distinguished Bernardin Scholar. She serves as a workshop leader, consultant, and musician in the Archdiocese of Chicago and abroad, following a passion to serve in multicultural, multigenerational communities, while mentoring young voices and building bridges through music ministry.
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