Ah, the change of seasons; those astronomical thresholds at which the Earth’s position, in terms of its rotational axis, change in relation to the solar ecliptic plane. In “non-geek-speak,” the different seasons are determined when parts of the Earth change from being tilted more toward, or away, from the sun. The cycle of spring becoming summer; summer turning to fall, leading to winter and returning, once again, to spring, is something we are all familiar with.
While these transition points have names and approximate dates (summer solstice, June 21st; autumnal equinox, September 22nd; winter solstice, December 21st, and vernal equinox, March 21st) the entire cycle is, for the most part, a gradual process of change. Regional weather patterns and temperatures change, as do the accompanying cycles of plant and animal life.
Of all the months, October seems to be the month when we feel the change of seasons most abruptly. The air becomes crisp, leaves turn quickly, and our activities tend to move more from outdoors to indoors.
Every civilization, past and present, has recognized the impact and significance of the change of seasons; some, so much so, many constructed religious beliefs around it. People have worshiped the sun and the earth and have attached spiritual meaning to the change of seasons. The fact that we mark the dates of the solstices and equinoxes is, in large measure, because these have been, and are still, dates of celebration for many cultures and religions throughout the world.
In my faith, the Earth, sun, and the rest of the universe for that matter, are merely parts of creation. They are to be appreciated, to be sure, but not worshiped. To my way of thinking, the seasons are something different: they are the clear words of God, speaking to us about change and hope and renewal, offered to us as proof of His very existence.
I reach out this month to anyone in pain; be it for a loss, or illness or anything else that threatens to steal your joy in life. Please, consider the obvious change in seasons as God’s personal message to you: He is real. He cares, and has shown you a way back to joy.
…since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
–Romans 1:19-20
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