ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The last days of summer are bittersweet. We look at the past three months and see the bounty of God’s provision. We’ve been blessed with rain and sunshine in pretty equal amounts, leading to a good harvest. The leaves begin to fall as if waving goodbye to another season. Soon the brilliant colors of summer will change to earth tones, which point us back to the circle of life. Seeds fall as birds carry them and replant them.

This past week has been difficult in our city, with yet another school shooting and the loss of innocent young lives. We wonder why this has become such a common occurrence. We shout for change – for new laws – for prayer. Words don’t seem to carry much weight at a time like this. Days will pass and soon this will become another statistic, and nothing will change. Lockdowns will become as normal as the air raid drills of my childhood. Mental illness will be addressed. We struggle to find answers, but there are none.

Each seed brings forth new life,

Designed and created by God Himself,

Clothing this delicate life with armor to endure the elements,

There is a season for all things under heaven.

The seed burrows deep inside the earth,

Hiding itself from the winter cold,

In spring, new life appears from dead earth,

Trees fill with buds of green and once withered branches come alive,

Producing a shady canopy to protect from the heat of the summer sun,

In autumn the seeds once again make their way to the ground,

Completing the bountiful circle of life,

If He cares for the least of these,

Imagine His love for us.

Dear Lord, we are a troubled people. Our nation is hurting from the evil events that occur on a regular basis. Even when we can’t explain or don’t understand, you are there with each human life – holding our hands, guiding, healing, directing, arranging, lifting us up with the encouragement of your Word. We need you so much. You are the only solution to the problems that are becoming much to frequent. Let us never forget your love for us. We commit ourselves to you and your wisdom, knowing that you have this. Amen!