November.
The changing of the seasons.
The coming of winter.
The calendar year ending.
The church year beginning.
We remember the saints as November begins.
We give thanks and we remember that Jesus has called us all to be saints.
November gives us that day of gratitude.
When we feast and welcome friends and family to the table.
When we remember who first fed us at the table.
When we count our blessings and remember those who we can bless.
November ends with Christ as King.
That final Sunday of the church year when we proclaim the greatness of Christ.
When we reflect on where we’ve been this year and where we’re going.
When we remember that Christ is the alpha and omega, the beginning and end.
And so we go throughout our days remembering.
We give thanks.
We light candles.
We feed our friends and neighbors.
We pray.
We sing.
We worship.
We look to you, Lord, to guide our ways.
To walk with us.
To know us.
To teach us.
To inspire us.
Just as the leaves fall and the trees are laid bare, so are we stripped of our defenses this November.
Strip us from our doubts and insecurities.
Strip us from self-loathing.
Strip us from feeling defeated.
Strip us from being lost.
Guide our ways and point us to the light that never fades.
So that a dark, November night can be our healing and our balm.
Amen.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. Her website is http://www.kimberlyknowlezeller.com