Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers, the flower fades;
    but the word of our God will stand for ever.

As the weather starts to cool and the days get shorter, the world around us begins to change. The trees turn to sparkling gold, red, and orange, crispy leaves falling to the ground. The earth is preparing to rest, shedding the old, and making room for what’s next. The animals are doing the same—geese are flying south in various forms of V formations, butterflies are headed to warmer places, all creatures know the time to prepare for winter is here.

All of this reminds me that change is part of life. We’re always moving, growing, or letting go of things and ideas that no longer fit us. Gently guiding and journeying with us through all of this change is the  Holy Spirit.  In the same way the animals follow an instinct they can’t ignore, I feel the Holy Spirit moving through me, calling me to trust, to listen, and to grow.

The earth, with all its beauty and rhythm, is a reminder of God’s presence. It’s as if nature is a living prayer, teaching us how to let go of what’s heavy—whether it’s worries or bad habits—and move with the flow of life. The Holy Spirit reminds us that even when things fall away, there’s still beauty and purpose in the change.

As the trees lose their leaves and the animals leave for their winter places, I am comforted knowing that I’m part of something bigger, something that’s always moving, always changing. In this coming fall season, I hope to be open to change, knowing that God is with all of us, guiding us every step of the way.