O sacred season of
autumn, be my teacher, for I wish to learn the virtue of contentment.
As I gaze upon your
full-coloured beauty, I sense all about you an at-homeness with your
amber riches.
You are the season
of retirement, of full barns and harvested fields.
The cycle of growth
has ceased, and the busy work of giving life is now completed.
I sense in you no
regrets: you’ve lived a full life.
I live in a society
that is ever-restless, always eager for more mountains to climb,
seeking happiness through more and more possessions.
As a child of my
culture, I am seldom truly at peace with what I have.
Teach me to take
stock of what I have given and received; may I know that it’s
enough, that my striving can cease in the abundance of God’s grace.
May I know that like
you I am rich beyond measure.
As you, O Autumn,
take pleasure in your great bounty, let me also take delight in the
abundance of the simple things of life, which are the true source of
joy.
With the golden glow
of peaceful contentment may I truly appreciate this autumn day.
(E. Hays)
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