Beauty in the Dying

 I lift up my eyes to you,

to you whose throne is in heaven.

Psalm 123 - a song of ascents

As L.M Montgomery says in Anne of Green Gables, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." While this earth is full of the riches of God's glory, I must admit I feel sorry for those that miss out on true Autumn Splendour.  It's breathtaking! 

The kids and I went on a nature walk recently and were treated to eye candy all around us - if we were looking. I was busily scanning the uneven ground under me so as not to trip. I was completely missing what was all around me - until I looked up! 

Prof. Deutschlander in his Bible study on the first three chapters of Genesis taught how the physical world around us points to something spiritual. For instance, in fall why is it that the trees are their prettiest and most colourful right before the leaves dry up and fall to the ground?  There is beauty in the dying.

What we see isn't always how it is. And how it seems isn't always what is. Sigh. Too much for my brain. 

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly around the earth seeking the successive autumns." George Eliot

Our own household is in mourning as we grieve the loss of Will's pet bird Xerxes. Four years ago this month the little blue budgie joined our family and moved into Will's room and heart. Xerxes was a unique bird full of personality. He and Will spoke their own language with each other and were often found together doing schoolwork, playing the Wii or playing legos on the floor. For me it's not the bird I weep for but the heartbreak and grief my man-boy feels. I want to protect him and keep him from experiencing this pain but I can't. And somehow I know that it's important for him to work through it himself. So for now he drowns his sorrow in the Hobbit and old episodes of the Brady Bunch. And we will always remember our precious bird friend Xerxes.