Fall is upon us and it’s a wonderful time to breathe in the beauty that’s all around, cozy up, light a fire, slow down and just be. The invitation to hibernate is sometimes such a welcome rest from the busyness and activity of the summer.
I think it’s for these reasons I can say that the October Journey is perhaps my favorite. Last week a creative, bright, intelligent and driven group of women from the downtown Eastside gathered at Linwood House for this three day retreat. Deep conversation by the fire, hot steaming mugs, walks in the crisp air, pampering, creative art experiences, friendships born, and beautiful healthy food filled our days together.
The smell of food always gathered a crowd in the kitchen, wondering eagerly, “what’s on the menu today?’ We were never disappointed. But this time, there was something else on the menu.
Hope.
Fall is often a time that seems as if everything is dying – the leaves, the grass, flowers, even the birds abandon ship. Sometimes we wonder if the lush abundance of spring and summer will ever come back. Is it possible or is it gone forever? But spring reminds us that nothing, in fact is dead. It’s simply dormant, lying as a seed that with all the right timing, nurture, and intention, will come forth. Bloom.
Rise.
As we sat together each day in our sacred circle we talked about the hurts of life, about the desires of our stories that seem impossible, of hope deferred. But through the gift of the seasons, we were reminded that nothing is impossible with God. In our faith economy, nothing is ever dead. There is always hope – for broken relationships, for health challenges, for addiction. There is even hope, after 19 years, for reconciliation between a father and his daughter.
We left those three days together in the heart season of Spring, celebrating our stories and our friendships and all that God can make possible in our lives.
What a gift that time was. Our team is looking forward to continuing the journey with many of our friends through the Great Room in the downtown Eastside. We’ve been encouraged and blessed by volunteers who, through their time, have enabled the Great Room to be open 5 days a week! Food with Friends, the Women’s Circle, art, bible study, and one to one time during a walk or over coffee in the community are all happening each week!
We’re grateful for each one of you who journey with all of us in your own unique way. May you find your own hope, possibility and miracle in this season.
Sue Todd
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