Second Thoughts – Harbingers of Autumn

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

As we celebrate the long weekend that marks the unofficial end of summer for so many I find myself pondering the onset of fall.  I feel some nostalgia for teaching.  At the first place where I served in this capacity we would be thigh deep in the new school year with all of its obligatory ceremony. 

I see the signs around that promise an early onset to winter this year.  The maple trees have already begun the metamorphosis of their leaves.  The verdant sounds now present in the breeze will soon be that of rustling fire speeding its way crunchy brown.  My Farmer’s Almanac promises “More Shivery, More Shovelry.”

I rarely talk about football lest I descend into scathing sanctimony regarding the uselessness of a non-leaner game of violence.  However the signs of the armies of autumn launching their tiring timed conflicts are unavoidable.  My beloved Braves are having a rough go of it as we enter the last full month of baseball.  This does not bode well for their playoff hopes.

Yesterday, the last day of August, 2014 dawned fall foggy but promised assaulting humidity later in the day.  As Christmas and I floated through the fog in the new Jetta we discussed breakfast and limited visibility.  Almost exactly as we crossed the line into Madison the fog was gone and the bright sun flooded the cockpit of the VW.  We both remarked on this and completed the journey to breakfast where we discussed early onset Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from both Starbucks and Caribou Coffee.  Christmas of course has one the first day they were available.

It was this sudden transition that brought to mind the impending change of the season.  There are changes outside of my control that I must weather.  There are things that are thrust upon us like football and pumpkin spice lattes without as much as a “by your leave please sir.”  I must weather them, find the beauty that is there to be found, and seek Christ in every moment of them. 

Today marks the run up the Christmas in my heart.  I will be full on Captain Christmas this year for the sake of my Children and Grand Children.  Those of you thinking it is too early can just go watch some football and leave me be. 

I will spend my solitary Labor Day preparing for the real matters that matter.  For me you see the harbingers of Autumn are also the first Hallmarks of Christmas.  In that alone I find great joy and beauty.   

Season Suite – John Denver

Silently the morning mist is lying on the water, captive moonlight waiting for the dawn.

Softly like a baby's breath, a breeze begins to whisper.

The sun is coming quick you must be dawn.

Smiling like a superstar the morning comes in singing, the promise of another sunny day.

And all the flowers open up to gather in the sunshine, I do believe that summer's here to stay.

And do you care what's happening around you,

Do your senses know the changes when they come?

Can you see yourself reflecting in the seasons, can you understand the need to carry on?

Riding on the tapestry of all there is to see, so many ways and oh, so many things.

Rejoicing in the differences, there's no one just like me.

Yet as different as we are, we're still the same.

And oh, I love the life within me; I feel a part of everything I see.

And oh, I love the life around me; a part of everything is here in me.

A part of everything is here in me, a part of everything is here in me.

[Fall]

Reflections on the water, like shadows in my mind,

Speak to me of passing days and nights and passing time.

The falling leaves are whispering, winter's on its way.

I close my eyes remembering the warmth of yesterday.

It seems a shame to see September swallowed by the wind.

And more than that, it's oh, so sad to see the summer end.

And though the changing colors are a lovely thing to see,

If it were mine to make the change I think I'd let it be.

But I don't remember hearing anybody asking me.

[Winter]

It's cold and it's getting colder. It's gray and white and winter all around.

And oh, I must be getting older; all this snow is trying to get me down.

There's a fire in the corner slowly dying, sometimes I just don't feel like going on anymore.

And yet I know it's more than worth the waiting for another chance to see the summer sun, come on, shine on me.

There's a fire in the corner slowly dying, sometimes I just don't feel like going on anymore.

And yet I know it's more than worth the waiting for another chance to see the summer sun, come on, shine on me.

[Spring]

Open up your eyes and see the brand new day, the clear blue sky and brightly shining sun.

Open up your ears and hear the breezes say, "Everything that's cold and gray is gone."

Open up your hands and feel the rain come down,

taste the wind and smell the flowers' sweet perfume.

Open up your mind and let the light come in, the earth has been reborn and life goes on.

Do you care what's happening around you? Do your senses know the changes when they come?

Can you see yourself reflected in the seasons? Can you understand the need to carry on?

Riding on the tapestry of all there is to see, so many ways and oh, so many things.

Rejoicing in the differences, there's no one just like me.

Yet as different as we are, we're still the same.

And oh, I love the life within me; I feel a part of everything I see.

And oh, I love the life around me; a part of everything is here in me.

A part of everything is here in me, a part of everything is here in me.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."