Weekly Update – 28th September

Autumn will soon be in full swing, with trees turning the range of browns, yellows and reds we associate with this time of year.

 

According to an article I recently read, trees will be shedding their leaves earlier than usual due to the hot weather we had in the summer.  It is also expected that there will be more acorns, chestnuts etc as the natural reaction to stress caused by the summer heat and drought is for trees to produce more seeds.

 

Trees will lose their leaves for winter but will regain them next spring.  Acorns and chestnuts will geminate, and saplings will grow into new trees.  Those familiar with the practice of coppicing will know that even after being cut to stumps, some trees will sprout and re-grow.

 

A prayer reflection I read this week was focussed on reading from Jeremiah (17:7-8), which had an interesting read across.

 

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,

whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water,

sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
and it does not cease to bear fruit.

 

Jeremiah is telling us that just like trees, that withstand challenges such as heat and drought, we too will be sustained through our struggles and difficulties by God’s love.   We should have trust and hope in the love of God.   Jeremiah reminds us that like trees we need to be refreshed and nourished.  We need to be rooted, refreshed and nourished in the knowledge that God’s love will sustain us and as Jeremiah points out we will be fruitful.

 

So as we journey through autumn we are invited to look around and reflect on the loving provision that God has for us all.

 

Nigel