Season of Change

Dear Reader,

As it turns out, I am book-ending the month of October with my posts. The month has been glorious, with lots of activity and travel – including some time spent among those beautiful New England leaves I wrote about in my previous post. We have returned to Shetland to discover that winter visited while we were away, with snow, sleet, and hail. The late afternoon sun traces a lower arc across the sky than it did even a few weeks ago, creating thick, golden air and long shadows. Full winter is not far away.

Today is Halloween. My step-daughter has carved a Pichu (from the Pokemon anime series) Jack-o’-lantern that looks truly amazing. She used a regular kitchen knife, but looked like she was working with a scalpel as she carved!

Right now, the Jack-o’-lantern is lit, and perched in our living room window, looking out at the street. I get the impression that trick or treating is not as popular here as in the States, but just in case, our front door light is on and a bowl of candy is waiting just inside.

The year is nearly over, and we all know it will quickly be gone, with the rush of holidays. But here’s the thing; as fast as the year will go, we are still immersed in the beautiful process of change. We still have great opportunity over the next few months to open to the unknown in our lives, to discover new things about ourselves, and others, and the world – to allow in the mystery.

I, for one, have returned from my travels with a new-found willingness to fall utterly flat on my face, in the spirit of discovery. The old saying “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” has taken on renewed meaning for me.

What about you, dear reader? What treasure might the unknown be waiting to offer you, if you are willing to receive? Whatever it might be, I hope your porch light is on and a bowl of candy is ready, just in case.

I honor your loving heart,

John