Stain Glass Lens of the 21st Century

Category: Autumn

  • Silent Beauty

    Silent Beauty

    Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator best known for her philosophy of education, taught the value of silence to her young students.

    In her book, The Secret of Childhood, she explains that one day she carried a sleeping infant into a busy classroom and all the students quieted down to observe the peacefulness of the infant.   This silence became a game in her classroom and it wasn’t long until the children grew to appreciate all that silence brought, “Silence is refreshing, giving our overloaded senses a break. When it is silent it is easier to notice how smooth the geometric solid is in our hands. It is easier to hear the gentle sound of a zipper, or notice the scent of fresh cut flowers. Silence brings us back into ourselves, yet is also a profound connection to everyone else in the room at the same time.”

    It isn’t unusual to find plants and flowers in a Montessori classroom, each used as a lesson in how beautiful things happen in silence, “Watch as the flower blooms in complete silence or how that green plant grows up the side of the window in utter silence.” The same is true when appreciating a sunrise or a sunset, each taking our breath away without making one bit of sound.

    Autumn is a wonderful example of God’s beauty in silence.  The silent trees fill the landscape with a brilliant celebration; bright yellows, jubilant oranges, and rapturous reds, awing us into a silent reverence.

    May we take this lesson and like Dr. Montessori and her students, savor all that silence can teach us.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Courtney Read/Unsplash

  • Feisty But Adorable Neighbors

    Feisty But Adorable Neighbors

    As the end of September draws near I know the time has come to do one of my least favorite tasks; turning over the vegetable garden.

    Despite the baskets of vegetables this year’s harvest supplied, I still find it difficult to pull up plants that show the smallest hope of bearing new fruit. 

    As I stood by the garden on this chilly but bright morning it seemed the beans, now wandering way above my head, deliberately stretched to their fullest revealing the tiny new beans.  The tomato plants gleamed with a certain shine as the morning light danced off their many tiny green gems and the spinach was more thick and lush then I had remembered, tempting me to just return inside.

    Twice over the past few weeks I had headed out with plans to pull up the garden and twice I had returned inside; today had to be different. Today I must be tough and get the task done.

    Whispering an apology I began to pull up the small plants then made my way around to the tall beans and peas.  Once they were lying in heaps by the composter I returned to the tomato plants.  It was then I heard angry banter from one of my neighbors.  He made it clear that he wasn’t pleased with what I was doing.  His protests went from a harsh tongue lashing to throwing pine cones at me! 

    He sent down a few warning pine cones which loudly banged off of the metal roofed shed echoing throughout the yard.  I stopped, looked up and this little red squirrel stood on the edge of the tree bough twitching its tail in a rather threatening manner.    

    I laughed at his tenacity; but he wasn’t amused and with little effort, dropped a pine cone right in my direction. At this point my dog, who had been napping, joined me by the garden.  Together we stood looking up as pine cones rained down around us.

    It would seem this tiny neighbor was very invested in the continued growth of my vegetable garden. Perhaps it was his high pitched “tit-titching” of me or his tense but adorable stance, but I decided to take his advice and the tomato plants still stand. As I gathered up all the garden tools and began to tidy up around the garden he quieted down and by the time I turned to go inside he was silent. 

    It wasn’t until an hour later I looked out the kitchen window and found this exasperating neighbor standing on the wooden edge of the raised garden enjoying a small green tomato.  I swear, he turned looked me straight in the eye and smiled as he continued to enjoy his lunch!

    May we all be blessed by feisty but adorable neighbors,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Gael Dupont-Langexin/Pexels

  • Heading Back…

    Heading Back…

    It is Labour Day Weekend, the weekend of ‘heading back’.  Students are preparing this weekend for ‘heading back’ to school, teachers are prepping for ‘heading back’ to teaching, those fortunate enough to have taken extended holidays will be ‘heading back’ to work.  Just about everyone, retired or otherwise, will be ‘heading back’ into a busy autumn season.

     I wonder if we shouldn’t pause and consider what this ‘heading back’ should look like.   Should we be ‘heading back’ head first into the same exhausting pace that sent us away for a rest?  Perhaps we could ‘head back’ in a way that fills us with purpose, energy and enthusiasm?

    This long weekend affords us a few extra hours to ask ourselves, “What do I value most in life? Are these values reflected in the busyness of each ordinary week day?”  “What do I want the sum of my days to amount to?” 

    Our values direct our days and define the purpose in our lives.  By deliberately considering what we value we begin to take control of the activities, people and busyness that fill our days.  Without this deliberate focus our days are devoured by meaningless pursuits which leave us soulfully exhausted.

    Once we discover our top values we then have a frame work in which to place the moments of our days.  For example, if peace of mind or time with family top our value list, then perhaps we would think twice about whose company we keep, how many extra commitments we make and how we spend our leisurely time. 

    Taking time to consider what we value most is like resetting the compass of our life, it will result in a life directed toward enthusiasm, purpose and peacefulness.   

    As John C. Maxwell writes, “Your core values are the deeply held beliefs that authentically describe your soul.”   May we all ‘head back’ soulfully prepared.

    Happy Labour Day,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Estee Janssens/Unsplash

  • November Elegance

    November Elegance

    The stillness of November is a refreshing change after all the exuberance of October and is a welcomed pause before the colourful celebration of December.

    The muted shades of November only add to its peacefulness.  The soft water-coloured skies with fleeting rays of sunshine make the perfect backdrop for the beauty of each bare tree.  The quietude of the first snowfall welcomes us into a space of tranquility and peaceful reflection while the long evenings are perfect for simple pleasures like warm bread pudding shared by a crackling fire.

    Historically November was a restful month after a busy autumn of bringing in the harvest, preparing the fruit cellar, stacking the newly cut winter wood and “shoring up” the barn.  These days we busy ourselves with leaf raking, placing the patio furniture into winter storage, winterizing the cottage, getting the snow tires on, having the car oiled and ensuring the snow blower is started up and ready to go.

    In rural ministry November sees a return of many to Sunday morning worship!   The hymn singing is more robust, the choir loft fills and the volume of chatter at Fellowship augments to it loudest.

    Aw, yes, November is a month filled with many gifts.  As Henry David Thoreau wrote, “The thinnest yellow light of November is more warming and exhilarating than any wine they tell of. The mite which November contributes becomes equal in value to the bounty of July.”

    May November be a month that fills your heart with peace and your life with God’s divine light.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

    Photo by Matt Barnard/Pexels

  • October Hollyhocks

    October Hollyhocks

    Photo by Mike B/Pexels

    Recently I met a man whose life is spent traveling the world.  He works for a major airline and as one of the pilots he has seen much of the world.  It was interesting to hear of the places he has lived, the people he has met and the variety of cultures he has experienced.  I marveled at all he must have seen.

    As one who has lived 55 years with my feet firmly planted on the ground I cannot imagine such a life as his. After sharing his latest adventure in South America he turned the conversation to me and asked where I have traveled.

    It just so happened the previous Sunday I had been the guest minister an hour north of where I live.  I explained the early morning drive up the peninsula along Georgian Bay and the remarkable autumn views.  I shared that as I arrived to the church I was amazed by the row of tall Hollyhocks in full bloom waving in the breeze.  Never in my life had I seen Hollyhocks blooming in October! They were the cause of such delight I spoke of them in my sermon that morning.   

    It was here in my telling that I paused ready to apologize for how simple my life must seem.  But to my surprise he was full of questions, “Where is this scenic route up the peninsula? How tall were these flowers? When do they usually bloom?”

    He didn’t make me feel small at all but instead was fully engaged in the wonder of my Sunday morning adventure.

    It doesn’t matter if we travel the world or are contented in our own backyard, what makes all the difference is the attitude we take with us.  The attitude of wonder, awe and remaining open to others makes life a magnificent journey!

    Blessings on your journey this week may it be full of wonder,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel    

  • Saucer Moments!

    Saucer Moments!

    Photo by solod_sha/Pexels

    He was sitting in the dirt, covered in his burlap cloak with his hand out stretched hoping someone would drop in a coin, a piece of bread or in the very least acknowledge his presence. Then he heard the name being spoken. The Healing Rabbi was finally walking past and without hesitation he yelled, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

    “Oh, you just quiet down.  Jesus doesn’t want to hear from the likes of you!” They hissed at him.  Ignoring their taunts, Bartimaeus shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

    All the footsteps stopped, silence.  One singular voice spoke, “Call him.”

    A chorus rang out, “On your feet! He’s calling you.” 

    Throwing his cloak aside, Bartimaeus jumped to his feet and reached out.

    “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

    “Rabbi, I want to see.”

     “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately Bartimaeus could see.

    It is written that once receiving his sight Bartimaeus “followed Jesus along the road.” But I imagine he didn’t follow quietly and sedately but instead twirled, danced, and sang all the way to Jerusalem.   

    What joy and gratitude must have filled his soul!  The sheer exhilaration and celebration! 

    Have you ever experienced this kind of joy?  Perhaps at a new baby’s birth?  When you were told the cancer was gone?  Holding the winning ticket? Or, that moment you looked up at a tree ablaze in autumn finery?

    These are saucer moments; moments when we drink from our saucer because our cup runneth over.    

    That is what I imagine Bartimaeus sang as he danced behind Jesus, he sang about drinking from his saucer because his cup runneth over!

    May we all have countless saucer moments this coming week and may these moments open our eyes with such vision we see clearly the presence of the divine in our midst.

    Blessings,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel  

  • Grateful Reverence

    Grateful Reverence

    Photo by Pexabay/Pexels

    I was run over by the Holy Spirit this past week, it was a most disturbing experience!  One minute I was going about my business and the next I was left a speechless mess fully aware of God’s amazing presence.

    It happened while out walking my dog, Abigail, one warm afternoon early in October.  I looked up to the Canadian Geese who were practicing their V formation overhead when it happened, a humility so overwhelming I felt light headed with awe.

    I will never be able to fully understand or articulate the grandeur of God in that moment. As I looked around God’s glory shone through the salmon noisily splashing up steam.   To think God created something as remarkable as a salmon whose instincts know to return home every autumn to propagate the next generation or butterflies who began life as caterpillars are now winged beauties prepared to fly south.  This same God put into the hearts of birds to gather on hydro wires so together they may migrate and also instilled within the Canadian Geese to fly in perfect formation.  And then, one final touch God decided to have all the bushes and trees burst into celebratory colour!  

    If all of this wasn’t enough, God also created me, and you, so we can witness this beauty; an audience to God’s amazing creative genius.  The profound awareness of God’s closeness stunned me into a deep humility and gratitude that could only be expressed through reverence; a reverence for something much bigger, wiser and deeper than I could ever perceive.

    As John Milton, English Poet, wrote, “Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.”

    May your Thanksgiving be so full of gratitude that it results in a deep reverence that tunes you into God’s closeness.

    Happy Thanksgiving,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • Autumn Aroma

    Autumn Aroma

    Once autumn arrives it is pumpkin spice everything.  I even saw an advertisement last week selling pumpkin spice brake pads!  Of course the service station was just having some fun with this pumpkin spice madness.

    For me the perfect aroma for autumn is not pumpkin spice but a bouquet of sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley, basil and oregano.

    With the threat of the first frost upon us the time had arrived to harvest my herb garden.  I cut each plant leaving the roots in place with hopes that next spring they may sprout again. Each herb released an intoxicating scent when cut, a means of departing the garden with one final farewell.

    Some of the herbs were delicately tied and hung upside down on a wooden rack in our mudroom, welcoming all who enter with a savory fragrance.  Others were prepared for a faster drying process in the oven.  With the oven warmed to 170 degrees and the necessary supplies gathered: reclaimed glass jars, parchment covered cookie sheets, and a mortar and pestle, I was ready to start.

    Soon the house filled with the best aroma autumn can offer. Not only does this process fill my home with a warm and delectable perfume it also adds a touch of summer to each winter dish. 

    Sure, pumpkin spice is nice but the signature smells of my own home grown herbs is a reminder of warmer days that help carry me through another cold Grey-Bruce winter.

    May we all find simple ways to honour this most rewarding season!

    Happy autumn everyone,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel  

  • Healing Flames

    Healing Flames

    Photo by Dids/Pexels

    What a week we just had.  It began with terrifying news that unfolded in Saskatchewan at the James Smith Cree Nation that left 10 people dead and another 18 injured and ended with the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Thursday September 8th, 2022.    

    Each story left us feeling untethered in one way or another.  Thankfully despite the sad headlines God’s presence continued to be on the move inviting us to look up and see beauty as it unfolded.

    Have you noticed?  The tree tops are beginning to look as though they are on fire with flames of red, yellow and orange foliage.  Looking up is the only logical stance when sad news surrounds us.

    The autumn leaves this week reminded me of how God calls us forth from difficulties into new beginnings.  Take for example what happened when the Hebrew people were under the yoke of slavery and trouble surrounded them on all sides.  God called an unlikely hero to save them all.

    Moses was out tending the flock on Mount Horeb when he saw a peculiar sight. The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush.  He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.  God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” (Exodus 3:1-5)

    Why did God use a humble bush?  Why didn’t God call to Moses from a towering tree?  The picture of God speaking from a lowly bush reminds me of a father stooping down to talk to his  children. (Reforesting Faith, Seeth)

    Also, note that God did not speak to Moses until Moses noticed the burning bush.  If we want to hear from God, especially in times of sadness, we need to pay attention to the miracles God places in front of us – even if it means turning off the computer, cell phone or television. 

    May we all hear the call of the trees to look up and pause long enough to breath in the undeniable healing of God’s renewing presence.

    As Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote, “Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God: but only they who see, takes off their shoes.”

    May we all find reason to take off our shoes this coming week!

    Rev. Heather McCarrel

  • Labour Day Weekend: It’s Not Too Late!

    Labour Day Weekend: It’s Not Too Late!

    Photo by Kyle Glenn/Unsplash

    We in Canada have been celebrating Labour Day since 1894; it has become a national statutory holiday.  Traditionally this day, the first Monday of September, was set aside for honouring laborers of the middle class. On this day there were picnics, parades and activities planned to bring together the laborers in a day of solidarity.

    Things are different now.  Today Labour Day is more about getting the children back into routine for another school year and for catching up on all the summer chores at home.  This has become the weekend when we begin to turn over the garden, pull up the bedding plants and air out the sweaters.  It has become known as the last weekend of the summer.

    But, truth is, the official last day of summer is 2 weeks after Labour Day weekend on September 21st.  That leaves almost 14 more days of warm afternoons at the beach or hiking our favorite trails or reading a good book in the shade of a tree.  The sun does set earlier by September which only creates more time for star gazing or enjoying a late summer campfire.

    The playful butterflies seem to linger in September inviting us all to enjoy the marigolds, Chrysanthemums and late summer roses.  May we accept this invitation and pause long enough to make a few more memories before this summer’s chapter closes.  As William Shakespeare writes, “Summer’s lease hath all too short a date”!

    Happy September,

    Rev. Heather McCarrel