Autumn, passages and a passing of the torch…

5. November 2008 by Carol.

Tonight I am struck by the fact that the President-elect of the United States is now one generation behind me.  That’s a first in my life and serves to remind me once again that these are the years of autumn for me and really for my entire generation.

Autumn is rich and beautiful and bright but in all of those wonderful things there is a deceptive passage happening.  We long ago passed from the newness of spring to the warmth and growth of summer on to autumn where the colors and beauty actually reflect the passing of all that the previous two seasons brought forth.

But don’t get me wrong.  Passages are not bad things.  They are not morose.  Even in the change that is inevitable in any passage there is still hope for the next season and the wonder that is part of that season.  As I’ve written so many times before in this space, I recognize the place where I am at in life and sometimes struggle with it.  But on the other hand I see all that the Lord has been (and still is) building into this life called “Carol Anderson”.  I thank the Lord for the gift of life that was given to me in this season.  Hope has sparked again for me like the elegant fragrance of burning autumn leaves.

Tonight on the television I saw a crowd of cheering young people smiling as they watched their candidate take to the podium and cast his vision for our nation’s future.  We are indeed passing the torch of the adult world of our society to include a younger and stronger generation.  In that torch passing my prayer is that this younger and stronger generation will accept it soberly, acknowledging the wisdom that has fired and fueled the flame of it…willing to tap that wisdom as they take it with their youthful strength.

This particular post is dedicated to my beloved nephews and my beautiful niece-in-law who are part of that new generation.  Russell and Roger, you have always been a joy to me from the very day you were born.  My prayer is and always will be that you will honor the foundation that has been laid for you in the generation before yours.  Angie, you are a delight beyond compare.  You have blessed me as you have grown, even in just the short two years I have known you, into a strong, godly woman, one who is truly the partner that God had in mind for Russell.

You are all now part this new adult generation.  This is your time to pass from your spring to the summer of your lives to learn and accept and persevere in the growth and change this season will undoubtedly bring to you. 

Tonight our nation is turning a new page.  Passages…torches being handed from an older, yet still strong hand to another younger and stronger hand.  May you of this new adult generation carry it with honor and grace and pursue the race that this torch signifies with all the goodness and strength that has been built into you from those who have lead you to this place in time.

 As always, thanks for reading.

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