The first of September always feels a bit like a New Year’s time for me. This year it has come to us early on the calendar with Labour Day falling on September 1st. Also, the excessive cool and overcast summer days did not leave us with a longing for a relief from heat and humidity. Instead, we are left saying, “that was summer?”!! Despite that, with September comes a return to routine and schedules. We once again pick up responsibilities that we could shrug off for the summer season. As children return to school classrooms adults to buckle down to agenda that drifted during the lazy, hazy days of July and August.
Being a visual person I have laid out four calendar sheets to see what lies before me for the last quarter of the year. Yesterday afternoon I actually took apart a wall calendar and taped September, October, November and December on one large sheet of paper – I know, crazy, right? But it helps me get a fix on what is coming up in the next season as we begin the count to Christmas – and that is what we do here in Churchland. September brings planning for the season that moves us to Advent and Christmas.
I have blocked out some time away for Continuing Education – a couple of short courses I want to take. I have marked in my regular activities each month – committee meetings, study groups, etc. and I have pondered where I can work in a few new things I want to offer here at BUC. With the months spread before me I realize there is never enough time to do all I want to do. Looking at the calendar helps me prioritize.
So, as you turn the page to the next chapter of 2014 what will rise to the top for you? Is your life smooth sailing these days or will you need to set aside some time to ‘gather your bearings’? Do you have a balance between work, family and service? Are there days when you will offer your gifts and days when you will receive? Can you see some opportunity to try something new this fall? September is a great time for new beginnings. May God grace you with opportunity for deepening your spiritual life in these next few months.
