The Graze V.126: The Rhythm of Creation
Dear Friends:
Tim first spotted this ‘chicken of the woods’ (Maitake) on a tree stump along Mission Farm Road a few weeks ago. He knew where to look as he had seen these spectacular mushrooms pop up this time of year in the past. I shared this discovery with a local mushroom enthusiast (who I understand has some incredible recipes!)
This season brings about such abundance - from the tomatoes and carrots in the garden to these dazzling mushrooms clinging to the trees. Isn’t this rhythm of nature fascinating? Nature does not ration it’s bounty so that there are equal amounts throughout the year. Rather, the honey is produced by the honeybees while the blooms are prevalent for a period of time; the hens stop laying eggs as the temperatures drop; the garden is ready to go dormant. And doesn’t that make it all the more fun?! That nature gathers up its very best, to burst forth with delight before going back to a quieter space of gestation.
I am fascinated lately with the idea of ‘delight’ and ‘desire’. What a gift that all of creation is built around this idea of 'delight’. Afterall, our ancient stories of creation tell us that the world is God’s creation. That it is all an expression of God’s love and delight continually in a process of birthing, nurturing, healing, reconciling. and liberating. God created all and proclaimed it was “good” - not simply that it would suffice for our needs - but that it was GOOD.
As the land goes quiet and the fields lie fallow, this birthing and healing continues. There is so much going on just below the surface - a gestation, a stirring, a storing up - in preparation for a springing forth of something new. The silence, the space, the quiet are all integral to the production and explosion of this sacred new life.
How does this manifest itself in our life? As we move inward - unpack the wool blankets, secure the storm windows and stack the firewood - we too, follow this natural rhythm. (Listen to this excerpt from the wonderful book “Wintering” by Katherine May). What is the time and the space you will allow in your life for something new to be born? What is the new creation that will be birthed in you and bring you delight?
At Mission Farm, our gatherings will shift to occasional indoor services and shorter outdoor gatherings around a fire. The hope is that these are gatherings of desire (not obligation) and that these quieter months allow us to follow this natural rhythm of rest and renewal. We will offer some virtual programming as well to reconnect with even those at a distance. I hope that you will join me to explore what is being born during this quieter season. I would love to hear from you.
Join us at Mission Farm in the Orchard for our next Gathering on Sunday, October 2 at 9:30am to celebrate the Feast of Saint Francis and Blessing of the Animals. Don’t forget your pets!!
Also, on October 2, Wrensong will join us for Choral Evensong at 4pm in the Chapel at Mission Farm. All are invited to take part in this unique and beautiful Anglican tradition. See more information below.
With deep peace and blessings of delight,
Lisa