RAMBLINGS:AUTUMN & UPDATE

long as the earth exists,

planting and harvesting,

cold and heat,

summer and winter,

day and night

will never stop.”
Gen 8:22 (GW)

In 1970 Ray Stevens came out with a song I love, Everything Is Beautiful . The song starts off with children singing " Jesus Loves The Little Children." (To hear this song go to YOUTUBE). When I looked into the mirror this morning I kinda wondered where the "beauty" went. If you listen carefully though he sings "everything is beautiful in its own way." When some reach their "autumn" years I can't help but be amazed at how beautiful and youthful they look. What's their secret I ask myself. One of many lessons I have learned over the years is to accept what I have, who I am (mind you I am still kinda working on that). One thing that never changes in its beauty are the seasons. Anything God created, and it goes without saying, is beautiful. Now that autumn has arrived I continue to be amazed at the splendour of this season. Each day the trees become more beautiful as their leaves turn to vivid colours of red,orange, yellow,and golden brown. There are still a few green leaves clinging to the hope they can hang on for a bit longer. I see further signs of the season such as huge brightly coloured pumpkins as they patiently await eager strong hands to pluck them and carry them to a place where they can thrill multitude of children with their creative designs meant to awe and frighten them. Me? I see pumpkin pies, lots of pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream. Sorry...I am getting sidetracked. Other signs of autumn I see are grain fields gently waving in the autumn breezes waiting for the harvest. Fruit trees bending their branches with rich fruits of apples, pears, peaches, plums and cherries. Grape vines are heavily laden ready for the harvest. There is so much abundant life in nature at this time of year its amazing. One watches, as I do, as some of natures creatures busily prepare for the oncoming colder weather. The squirrels especially as they dart to and fro gathering food for the months ahead..with a little help from me. I know Nature in general is preparing for the winter to come.
A few days I go I turned sixty-five ( I hear its a once-in-a life- time achievement-whew thank goodness) and its a new phase in my life. Though I still plan to continue to work I am now entitled to a few bonouses in life like pensions, better health care (hmmmm!) some freebies (there are freebies? Like what?) I was going to add "more respect" but in todays society - NOT! Growing older is all part of God's natural events. I know some folks become downright depressed, discouraged, grumpy, absent minded and develope a more "wandering" nature. Ok what I mean by wandering is going to different places for vacations to escape the snow. Why anybody wishes to escape snow is beyond me. Many seniors here travel to the South to enjoy the hospitality of Nature in places like Florida, Texas, California, etc. Not sure why they are called "Snowbirds" as those destinations have no snow. Oh well each to their own....Me? I'll be shivering in the cold, snow or rain with winds, plowing through the unshoveled snow on icy sidewalks praying each step of the way I don't fall and hurt my seat of learning which is well educated from past experiences. You know what I got side tracked again (aren't us older folks allowed to do that though?). I look back over the decades and all life has taught me and its been rough but very valuable lessons have been learned. Lessons I can (try) and share with those younger than me. But you know what? I'm still learning a lot about life. I still make mistakes and sometimes I fall flat on my face, though I need a cane to get up. I value friendship more, I love the little things life has for me more than ever. I find myself have a bit more love,compassion and patience with my fellow man (sad this didn't happen sooner). In spite of my arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc, I have learned to thank God for good health. In fact I thank God for God...yep thats right. I am beginning to know God a bit better to appreciate what He continues to do for me and to know that I am one day closer, one hour closer to being with Him for all eternity. Over the past few months I have had friends and family members who faced the "autumn" in their lives and are in God's eternal hands. As we give God thanks for all the blessings this autumn has brought us I thank God for His continual love and guidance (in spite of all my short comings) in my life and I continue to seek to serve Him in anyway I can no matter how small that service may be. I remain the skypilot.



The past few months have been hectic, challenging, and so forth. I know many of us have been busy doing summer things and away from the computer and so forth. So have I. Not all of it has been pleasant but I thank God it hasn't been worse. My work keeps me busy in fact busier than ever. My days off are fewer that is to say I don't very often get two days in a row off anymore. I have been notified I don't have to retire in fact here in Ontario the age of retirement has gone from 65 to 70. I have been officially notified I am now a sr. staff which comes with almost a dollar an hour raise. Though I enjoy my work it often becomes very stressful, frustrating and sad. God has richly blessed me in so many ways and I thank Him. Well its time to check my home made stew ...and no you don't want to know whats in it. All I can say the kitchen sink hasn't been added....yet!
Edward