Love all creation, the whole of it and every grain of sand within it. Love every leaf, every ray of God’s light. Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things. ~ Staretz Zosima, in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov
Exiting church the other day, a Virginia Creeper’s brilliant vermillion leaves which clung tightly to the wall, caught my eye, my breath and my heart.
Little plump, golden berries contrasted warmly against the bright beauty and richness of jagged, scarlet leaves.
I had almost missed seeing them in plain sight!
It seems that as they near the end of their leaf life, they exude exceptional beauty obtained through efforts of simply being, since when they were young, and soft, and green.
May we navigate life’s rapidly passing seasons, holding fast to the Timeless Pergola of God’s Word… and in our own autumn years, blossom forth little golden blessings of fruit, and spiritual efforts being worthy enough to reflect His Radiant, Gladsome Light.
Wishing you Autumnal Joy.
Love in Christ.