October 2011 "Sketchings"

“FALL COLORS!!”

In the yard next door, there is a maple tree. It looks like this year it is going to be spectacular with fall color – if we get the right combination of warm days and cool nights and no wind/rain to drop the leaves prematurely. Already, the tree is awash in reds, rusts, yellows, browns and hues of green against the darker green leaves that have not yet been touched with the Master’s paintbrush. Already it is a wonder of beauty in our cul-de-sac.

I happen to be a person who loves the fall colors. (One day I want to find my way to the North East United States during this time of year.)

I think one reason I enjoy fall is that it is symbolic of a faith journey. It is a symbol of the fruits of maturity in faith, a coming to “bloom” from the growth of faith and the work of the Spirit. I know I speak much too simply in this regard. But never-the-less, the full beauty of faith cannot be enjoyed unless one is continually moving toward maturity in Christ.

You see, maturity in Christ is about growth. It is about movement in faith. It is about growing in what has been called “the mark’s of discipleship”: worship, Bible Reading and devotions, prayer, generosity, service and witness (or relationships where we can talk about our faith.)

The problem is, for many, when we come to talk about these disciplines, the reaction is more like that of a person getting a “root canal” than a person who is seeing an invitation to deeper faith, to spiritual growth, to spiritual maturity or to the fullness of life in Jesus.

However, as we commit to the process, embark on the journey and discipline ourselves to draw nourishment from the deep roots of our faith, we find the beauty of God’s handiwork in our lives. We discover the pure joy that comes from being close to Jesus. We display in our lives the beauty of God’s grace and goodness.

I’m excited about the fall season – both outdoors in within our walls. I’m excited about how God is going to paint our world with color and how God is going to paint our lives with grace and peace, forgiveness and His Spirit power. I’m anxious to see what amazing ways God will work in our lives as we live as reflections of His true and wondrous light.

We have been blessed with a wonderful past. We are living in an exciting present. As to the future, it can only be colored with God’s paint brush of expectation and hope as we grow in faith, mature in our mission and ministry and deepen our roots in His Spirit power.

T. O. M.