As this moment ushers in
a new season—
that of autumn—
may we release the previous one
with all its pain and sorrow.
On this day
when light and dark are equal,
there is balance.
May it be so in our souls.
May we breathe in the newness
of what love is bringing.
May we hear and see and know
that God and the saints are present—
encircling us
in their hospitable care,
teaching us
to pause and to breathe,
teaching us
to feel and express gratitude
for what has been
and what is to come.
May we hold blessings—
of lessons
with their difficulty
and their triumph,
of growth
with its painstaking slowness,
of wisdom
as it draws us closer to God—
then release them,
not forgetting
but aware of their imprint
on our hearts,
and step forward
into this new season,
lighter,
with arms open wide
to receive the harvest.
Welcome, autumn!