Autumn is starting to settle in. Just a few weeks ago, I led a service with our friends at a local care home, and as I cycled there on a precious last sunny morning, I couldn't help but notice how full of life Priory Park was. The trees were starting to turn red and gold. Wanting to take some autumn beauty to our friends, I picked a few leaves from the trees and brought them to share in the service.
Together, we held those leaves in our hands, running our fingers along their tiny veins, marvelling at their delicate design. We reflected on how something so small, so insignificant that it would soon fall to the ground, could still carry so much life. And if so much of God is present in a single leaf, how much more must God be present in the everyday moments of our lives?
The maple trees outside the manse are now the deepest fiery red, and the leaves have been fantastic to watch as they change. They remind me of John Keats' poem The Ode to Autumn, which describes the 'Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness', a transition time. In her book An Altar in the World, Barbara Brown Taylor speaks about the importance of paying attention to God's presence in the ordinary, stopping to pause in wonder. Her reflections resonate with me as I watch the maple trees turn red. God is woven into the smallest details of our lives, and like trees, our faith journeys are not static; we, too, are changing as God continues to speak to us and inspire us to live faithful and courageous lives.
Reflecting on that day at the care home, I am reminded of how much God is in the small things. God is here, present in our seasons of rest and our seasons of growth. This month, I have been focusing on the story of Job in worship, a beautiful book of Hebrew poetry reminding us that God remains with us in our ups and downs. As Job declares, "But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you" (Job 12:7-8). I encourage you to take time this month to notice the changing season and see what you spot!
With every blessing,
Siobhán Antoniou
Minister, North Downs Surrey Pastorate
Taken from the November Edition of The Record