October –
you astound us with your beauty
you call us to marvel at color and light
to feel the chill of a night’s sky
to watch leaves fall and hope for what is to come.
In October,
nature knows what we need to learn –
everything changes and falls
the world needs rest and renewal
the shortening of days is a gift
lean into moments of calm
everything can be made new again.
October –
help us keep our eyes fixed
on beauty
on hope
on renewal.
This month, Lord, lead us to sit with change
to learn and grow from what must fall
to be open to the new thing being born.
This month, Lord, turn us to neighbors
sharing meals and laughter
song and prayer
holding one another’s burdens.
Help us settle into the longer nights
resting our bodies
turning our fears to you
always looking to the rising sun.
In this month and the ones to come
give us your presence
in the blazing beauty of your creation.
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. You can read more at her website, follow her work on Facebook, or sign up for her monthly newsletter.