Changing Seasons

This fall we have been pursuing fullness and wholeness as a family of faith and now we are shifting to a season of growth.  As one of our Pilgrim ancestors in the faith, John Robinson knew the need for ongoing growth and he also knew the tangible tie of growth in nature – as those early Pilgrims were so dependent on the earth and the food it supplied, thus laying the foundation for what is now our Thanksgiving tradition.

As followers of Christ, we know that growth is both an inner and outer process.  Just as the seed is initially nurtured within, eventually it expresses itself in outward growth – so too, do we have an intimate connection between our spiritual growth within and our faith commitments without.

For a moment…think of those people in your life who have cultivated your inner seed and in the process have helped you grow…as a human being…a part of your family… your community…and in your faith life…

At times it’s hard to realize what difference our lives really make as we touch one another – sometimes it takes years to appreciate true growth – but friends, it’s happening.  I believe our interactive seeds of faith promote growth in God - and serving God and God’s children.  Considering generational influence are these wise words of James Baldwin,

“Children have never been good
at listening to their elders, but 
they have never failed to imitate them.”

What I’m getting at is the recognition of those influences and influencers that have helped shape each of us into becoming the unique and beautiful people God created us to be.  I truly believe our Christian faith is caught more than it is taught.  Let’s continue to catch the growth God offers each and every day…as we share it and celebrate it together!

                  In Joy and Gratitude,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister

P.S.   Please take a moment for a poetic pondering…

A Solemn Thing Within The Soul    
Poem 483 by Emily Dickinson

A Solemn thing within the Soul 
To feel itself get ripe 
And golden hang while farther up 
The Maker’s Ladders stop 
And in the Orchard far below 
You hear a Being drop 

A Wonderful to feel the Sun 
Still toiling at the Cheek 
You thought was finished 
Cool of eye, and critical of Work 
He shifts the stem a little 
To give your Core a look

But solemnest to know 
Your chance in Harvest moves 
A little nearer Every Sun 
The Single to some lives.

This piece originally appeared in The Wave on October 20, 2021.