WINTER IS COMING: Read Psalm 1

About a month ago, I was reading about “The Blessedness of Winter” in Richard Foster’s book ‘Prayer’. In it he describes a tree losing its outer covering to expose all the imperfections and irregularities of the tree.  That really resonated with me, since I am approaching what I expect will be a winter season in my life:  I am in the final year as Director of a youth ministry, and change has already begun.  ‘Drop my leaves and be real’ was the invitation. “Yes, Lord, it feels like winter is coming”.

I was pondering these things as I drove to my favorite hiking trail, a bit more than an hour from home.  Although it was the end of September, it was a warm day and absolutely perfect for hiking.  I hoped to catch a glimpse of some fall colours on the trees as I drove north, but our weather had been so unseasonably hot and dry (over 25°C every day for two weeks) that there really wasn’t any colour at all.  It seemed like we skipped the pretty part this year, because leaves were falling without changing.

When I started out on the trail, I saw how true this actually was.  Leaves covered the ground as I walked along, and I had to walk more slowly and step more carefully even though this path was familiar.  Leaves have a way of hiding rocks, roots and mud.  Sometimes it’s even hard to tell where the trail is!  Here, on my familiar path, I can see it – the truth that winter was approaching.  For me this day, the fallen (and falling) leaves represented letting go of my ministry tasks, little by little, and turning them over to other people.  The Lord asked me, “What do you see?”  I looked around and noticed the path was covered. Although it’s familiar I have to watch more carefully.  I could easily miss the path and veer off course.  I have to watch for the trail blazes.  I have to pay more attention.  With leaves hiding mud and roots, I have to traverse even the easiest sections with more care.

I understood immediately what God was telling me. In my profession, it’s easy to forget about paying attention.  Things I’ve done many times, year after year, are different now.  I have to stay close to the Lord and rely on Him.  I have to pay more attention to His voice.  There are going to be pitfalls; nothing is the same and nothing is what I expect.  Rely on the Lord, trust in Him.  I reached a spot along the river and climbed up to a favorite rock to sit and pray.  Lord, I rest in You.  Keep me from running ahead or running away.  Keep me from getting off course.

The Lord showed me many things that day.  I was tempted to take a side trail that I spotted, but He whispered ‘stay the course’.  I will be tempted to wander away, and the Lord is warning me of that coming test.  I wandered to a little peninsula out over the river and as I looked back on the main trail I recognized that I would be watching events taking place rather than being part of them during my final year.  As I continued along I could always hear the river; a constant reminder that whatever happens, the Lord is with me and that will not change even though everything else changes. When I reached places of steep climbs I realized there were not so many leaves here; but I would be normally more careful in these parts anyway.  It’s on the flat parts of the path (that I consider easy) that the leaves have made it more necessary to watch.  I almost left the path more than once or nearly stepped in mud.  I reaffirm that I need You, Lord, every step of the way.

I stopped to listen to the silence of the forest.  From the quiet hush the noise of wind came up suddenly; soft at first but growing until it blew the tops of the trees. I heard the great noise of a rushing wind all around me and tall trees bent as leaves rustled and fell; but where I stood was utterly calm.  I felt as if the Lord had passed by.  Come Holy Spirit.

“As my ‘leaves’ are falling, Lord, I give You permission to expose my imperfections. Strengthen me during this upcoming winter season just as sap strengthens the inner core of the tree when it’s not needed for the leaves.  As my visible activity slows and eventually ceases, focus Your efforts in my inner core.  I want to be naked before You, nothing in the way of Your work within me.  Keep me from lamenting the changes in my life, and give me the grace to welcome Your coming in this winter season of my life. Amen”.