From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
I always feel a little sense of sadness on the 31st of October every year.
October is my favourite month of the year.
I love the fresh, crisp air of fall, the apple picking and pumpkin carving and the breathless colours of the leaves as they change from green to their myriad shades of the spectrum.
But as the last trick or treater heads home and the apple cider is all gone from the punch bowl I realize that winter is coming and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.
That being said, there is plenty of stuff I can do to get ready for the colder temps and snow that will come.
Weather forecasters are predicting a lot more snow for us this winter, much more than in previous Decembers.
Preparation will be key so that winter does not catch me off guard.
The same is true in the spiritual life.
Proverbs 24:27 says, “Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.”
In other words, it is vital that we align our priorities properly.
Doing the things that need to be done first is key to things working out later on.
Growing up, my twin and I actually trained for trick or treating, practising running with a mask on and leaping over hedges to mimic the conditions on Halloween night.
We also planned our routes in a loop fashion so as to be able to head home when our pillowcases were full and reload with an empty one.
Our older brother took his time and never came close to hauling in the loot that Barry and I did.
Having a fulfilling life that is ready for whatever is thrown at you means preparing ahead of time before trouble comes.
A simple practice of reading Scripture daily when I wake up has helped me keep things in perspective.
Are you ready for the change in weather, or will this be another winter of your discontent?
