Pastoral Ponderings – October 2024

A couple of weeks ago, I went apple picking for the first time.  It is a little embarrassing that at the age of sixty, having lived in New England for over forty years, I finally went apple picking.

In my defense, I never had to pick apples. I worked in Glastonbury (where most of the apple farms are in this area) every day. I had apples given to me or I would buy a bag as a quick snack whenever I wanted to.

I am no longer afforded the opportunity of being around farms so often, and now that I have grandchildren, it felt essential to partake in this healthy fall pastime.

I went a little crazy. I was picking apples like I had a root cellar and the ability to store apples until March! 

I felt like I had been transported into every parody about women and the season of fall, and the only thing missing was a pumpkin spice latte, a flannel shirt and a wide brimmed maroon hat.

When the car had been loaded with my additional fall purchases of gourds, pumpkins and mums, I pushed my very patient granddaughter back into the orchard. It was a beautiful day, and I felt compelled to stand at the top of the hill. 

For all the years of having worked in Glastonbury, I did not recall ever seeing a sight as beautiful as what I saw. Rolling hills of perfectly placed trees filled with pears, nectarines, peaches and apples took my breath.

The wind on the top of the hill was soft and warm. The Holy Spirit was there, and I became aware of something I often take for granted. I became deeply aware of the gifts God has given to feed us. I marveled at how such small seeds produce such a vast orchard of food. I recognized the miracle in the cycle involved in harvesting, the miracle contained within the fruit which falls to the ground and is reabsorbed into the earth.

My prayer is that you find a moment as the earth prepares for winter sleep, to marvel in the bounty of the harvest and the beauty in the falling leaves. Take time to be holy during this most glorious time of year. Pastor Val