MINISTERS MUSINGS

November 2008 Musing

GOD’S PAINT BOX

We all have a favourite season in the year. For many it is the awakening of nature and the lengthening days of Spring. For others it is the promise of sunshine and the full bloom of summer. Some even prefer Winter with its frost and snow and cosy evenings by the fire. For me it is autumn, the season of ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’. There is such a sense of calm and stillness as leaves fall gently into colourful drifts by the roadside. The smell of wood smoke brings back happy childhood memories bonfires and roasted chestnuts.

Because of the very wet summer this Autumn is spectacular. The many and varied colours from green through yellows, golds, browns, bronze and red are more vivid than usual. They defy the artist’s palette but not God’s. Autumn is the supreme example of the Creator’s artistry. For nine decades now the colours of Autumn have been dappled by the bright red of millions of poppies, a reminder of the sacrifice of so many who have given their lives in war. The red of the Flanders poppy against the tapestry of fallen leaves is a stark reminder too of the sheer futility of war.

Autumn is a time of reflection and remembrance. We are grateful to those who gave their lives in what we believed was a just cause. We think even now of those who risk their lives in situations of conflict and terrorist activity. We give thanks for all the faithful departed at All Saints and All Souls tide; above all we give thanks for the One who understands and identifies with our human condition, with our joys, sadness and remembrances. After all He too knows what sacrifice is in that He gave His only Son as a sin offering for the world.

So let us enjoy the glory of God’s Autumn paint box , give thanks for sacrifice both human and divine and wear our poppy with pride.