Whenever the seasons begin to change something in the air revives my spirit. The way leaves exhibit their glorious exit in bright yellows and oranges soothes me. Gentle transformations are all around me these days, and I am soaking it in. Today was just a few degrees cooler, so out came my favorite scarf. Soon my bright orange hat that matches the color of my car will be a welcome morning tradition. The fact that my favorite cooler weather hat matches my car always makes me giggle. It's like a flashing symbol to the world that I love bright colors.
Returning to work is another aspect of the coming of autumn. The first month was difficult. Stories of abuse and tragedies that filled the lives of my students over the summer flooded my office. Hope was not as near for me as it had been. I desperately needed a reminder, a reason to keep hoping even when so many sadnesses were all around me.
I went to a family wedding over a week ago now. I knew it would be fun. I did not know it would bring back hope into my heart that I needed to live my life well. This wedding was different than any other I had ever been to. It took place at a campsite in Northern California. The groom was my cousin, someone who has become a dear friend in recent years. I know some of his journey, and I know it has not been easy. Yet he opened his heart to love again, and it was beautiful to watch. I could literally feel the joy beaming out from him like a beacon. Just being near him lifted my heart. The wedding was simple and fun. Such a reflection of their unique personalities. My grandfather whisked my grandmother around under a starry sky to Frank Sinatra's New York during the party after the ceremony. Love was so full that night.
On my travels back home, I thought about my experience. What I realized was that despite or maybe because of the journey my cousin had to take to find love I have proof that there really are second chances. I am related to people who have had to fight hard to find joy in their lives. They could have given up, but they didn't. I have living proof that hope is possible. And that love is always nearby even if you can't always see it.
In a very real way, my hope has been restored. I know that second chances exist and that people are resilient and capable of such great acts of love and compassion.
One of my favorite authors Thomas Merton, said this about hope, "Hope is the wedding of two freedoms, human and divine, in the acceptance of a love that is at once a promise and the beginning of fulfillment."
As the seasons begin to change yet again, may you also find that hope and love are never too far away.
