In August, I went on a summer holiday to France with the family and we experienced some of the record temperatures of the Southern European heatwave. Wherever possible, we took refuge in swimming pools, lakes and rivers to stay cool as the heat of the day climbed to 40 degrees! At the same time, our very hot “summer” holiday had a rather surreal “autumn” feel. The trees were already beautiful oranges and reds, and we often found ourselves walking on a carpet of acorns and dry, crunchy leaves in the countryside.

Autumn’s early arrival this year has been widely noted – a result of a long period of dry weather and the strain it has placed on the earth. Trees under stress shed their leaves early, conserving energy for the months ahead. These changes to the rhythms and the patterns of the seasons inspired two thoughts – first, as a reminder of our responsibility to address the challenge of climate change, and second as a sign of the changes which this time of the year often brings.   

One of the founders of the Christian faith, the apostle Paul, wrote that “the whole creation has been groaning in labour pains until now”. He meant that the world itself longs for God’s renewal, just as we do. When we see changes in weather patterns and see how they affect people around the world, we are reminded that caring for creation is part of our Christian calling. In the book of Genesis, humanity is entrusted with tending and protecting the world God has given to us, and as disciples of Jesus, our love for God must extend to cherishing the earth as part of our call to love one another.

Responding to these changes in the wider world also reminds us of the changes in the seasons of our own lives. Just as the trees shed their leaves to prepare for winter, we sometimes have to let go of familiar things as new chapters begin. September is often a month of change — new school years, new routines, new challenges at work or at home. The rhythm of the academic year affects families and communities alike, and even those not directly involved in education can sense the shift – in the volume of traffic on the roads if nothing else!

Change can be challenging, but it is not without purpose. Just as seeds fall to the earth in autumn-time and wait through the winter months, so God can use times of transition in our lives to bring about growth we cannot yet see. Jesus himself said: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24). Autumn is not only about endings, but also about hidden beginnings.

So whether we are noticing the strains on creation, or navigating the start of a new season in our own lives, autumn invites us to trust in God’s faithfulness. Even as the trees let go of their leaves, they do so in confidence that spring will come again. We too can face change with hope, knowing that God is with us, and that in Jesus Christ he makes “all things new”.

Dan