Autumn Rambles is an online resources, adapted and used with permission from Prayerbench.ca.
Day 12: Conversations
This is our last Autumn Rambles. I(Rev. Gail) have enjoyed the feedback received from folks via email or text messages, or by people talking to me in church on Sunday. It seems fitting therefore that our last topic is ‘conversations.’
Conversation is part of our regular daily human experience. Whether it’s with the people we live with, or with our family and friends over the phone, or with the checkout operator at the supermarket, we talk to others. Those who live alone, seek connection with others to chat and laugh together on a regular basis. We spend vast chunks of our conversational time in practical and transactional conversation. We talk to organize ourselves and others. We talk to both pass on and acquire information. These sensible conversations are the talk of the daylight hours. They are busy and productive. If conversations were seasonal they feel to me like they belong in spring and summer, when the light is bright and there’s plenty of it and there’s an energy in the air that is busily harnessed.
But as the light softens, and the days shorten, as the leaves change colour, and the warm glow of autumn fills our landscapes, there is a softening in our conversations. Walking in the park becomes more leisurely and less purposeful. We feel like meandering slowly, our bodies keeping pace with the slowing of nature around us. Many mornings I (Rev. Gail) walk around the lake at Stratford with a friend. We talk of topics that meander as easily as our walking. We ramble as we ramble.
Talking in the fall evenings, especially outdoors welcomes a softening in us. This is felt even more so if we’re gathered around a fire or sitting together by the light of a candle. Our Autumn conversations become longer, and we tell more stories. In the half light, we are less exposed, but more vulnerable, yet feel safe and comfortable. Autumn conversations find us humble, expectant, gentle and generous. Our conversations shift seasons, into a different gear of coming alongside others and opening ourselves up. And in doing so, we find wonders and treasures and hope.
Ponder on these writings:
“Discussion in daylight can be quite practical, it’s transactional. It’s economic, in terms of discussing financial transactions. It can be quite waspish and gossipy. But when people sit round a fire at night outside particularly… conversations become longer, they’re more story-telling, they’re more bonding, they’re kinder and talk about things that are bigger than every day events.” (Annette Lees, Author of ‘After Dark: Walking into the Nights of Aotearoa.)
“I learned that a long walk and calm conversation are an incredible combination if you want to build a bridge.” (Author,Seth Godin)
“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it.”
(Brother Lawrence (1614-1691)
And enjoy this YouTube video of a song by Chrissy Metz called “Talking To God.”
Let’s Talk!
Autumn Conversation Starters
Where is your favorite place to ramble in Autumn?
What is your favorite item of clothing to wear in Autumn?
What are you thankful for this Autumn?
What do you like to cook or eat in Autumn?
What was something memorable you did in a previous Autumn?
What sights, sounds, tastes, textures or smells do you enjoy in Autumn?
How do the changing leaves in Autumn prepare you for change in your own life?
And, I invite you to come and have coffee conversation with me (Rev. Gail) at HSUC on Monday 24th at 2pm in Fellowship Hall – come and share your favorite Rambling Experience – or just come and have conversation!
Thank you for Rambling with me. Peace, Rev. Gail