As a few coloured leaves tenaciously battle chilly winds and the last of the scrappy blooms in the Quiet Garden stand defiantly facing heavy frost, we are all too aware that November is upon us: the season of remembering.
All Saints’ and All Souls’ observances, preceded by the outlandish hype that is now, culturally, All Hallow’sEve, speak of those we continue to love “but see no longer”. We remember them…with affection, perhaps with regret of some kind, with sadness. And yet, we know, by Faith, that they are both in God’s nearer Presence and still with us, in spirit. Remembrance Day, honouring those of every generation who gave of their youth, health and very lives that all those ‘at home’ could live without fear, bears the enduring message “Lest We Forget”.
And although November rarely tops peoples’ ‘favouritemonth’ list, this time of remembrance can be experienced with the same warmth, spiritually, as can be imagined in a homey scene complete with a flickering fire, a cozy blanket, a steaming cup of teaand an open book. Even with the excitement of the Bazaar and the multitude of preparations for the seasons of Advent and Christmas already underway, November can be embraced as a period of reflection, resting in God’s Presence and letting memories enfold us, both the difficult and the good, and as a time to give thanks for all those whose lives have touched our own.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. ” Hebrews 12:1-2