September, a month of change. The seasons start to change this month although some years September has been a better month than the rest of the summer. This year we can’t say that because we have had a wonderful summer. Children and young people change classes, schools, universities or start employment. Although it is a lifetime ago, I remember starting secondary school and standing in front of the school waiting to go in, and being terrified as I knew no-one, and was convinced I would look stupid. I also felt very uncomfortable in my new uniform which was very stiff and too big. September 22nd is quite a date for us all. It is the date of the autumn equinox in the northern hemisphere where day and night are of equal length. After that date it starts to go downhill, and the hours of darkness get longer than the hours of daylight. If you are a J.R.R. Tolkien fan September 22nd has another significance it is Hobbit Day. It is the date of the birthday of fictional characters Bilbo and Frodo Baggins in the hobbit books. I am a big Tolkien fan after first reading The Hobbit when I was 11 years old, but I have never been to any of the events associated with this, but I understand that people dress up as hobbits and have fun and games. Apart from Hobbit Day all the others are about change. Although change causes us anxiety at first, we often quickly begin to enjoy the change. My apprehension of secondary school was replaced by loving that school eventually. In the Old Testament Ecclesiastes was reportedly written by King Solomon, he of great wisdom. Chapter 3 tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Recognizing that every phase of life has its divine timing can help us find peace and purpose, even in challenging times. The wisdom of Ecclesiastes calls us to be patient, discerning, and trusting in God’s perfect plan. When we are feeling anxious about a change that is happening this might be a good idea to remember
For this month’s book I have selected The Achemist by Paulo Coelha. I think I may have suggested this book before, but it exemplifies the anxieties and rewards of change.
God Bless
Maureen Kendall