I’ve been waiting to share this post with you for quite a while. I ran across this poem back in September when I was preparing for the Edith Holden post of that month. It is by one 
of my favorite authors and I instantly loved it (even before I knew who wrote it). I decided that Nov 1st was a perfect time to share it because autumn is in full swing and because it’s All Saints Day. This poem manages to tie the events together by mirroring the seasons and man’s life. As the earth yields the last of its harvests and surrenders to the impending winter with glorious abandon, I think it’s natural that our thoughts turn inward and we remember our mortality as well. All Saints Day provides a time to commemorate the lives of those who have passed through the doors of this world and have entered immortality. It connects us to the people of the past and reminds us that our time on earth is limited. Far from being morbid, I think a proper perspective of our mortality teaches us to purpose our days and treat others with compassion. It also teaches me to live in hope, awaiting the expectation of a world reborn with God’s grace.
Autumn clouds are flying, flying O’er the waste of blue; Summer flowers are dying, dying Late so lovely new Labouring wains are slowing rolling Home with laden grain; Holy bells are slowly tolling Over buried men. Goldener lights set noon asleeping Like an afternoon; Colder airs come stealing, creeping After sun and moon; And the leaves, all tired of blowing Cloudlike o’e r the sun; Change to sunset colours, knowing That their day is done. Autumn’s sun is sinking, pinking Into Winter’s night; And our hearts are thinking, thinking Of the cold and flight. Our life’s sun is slowly going Down the hill of might. Will our clouds shine golden glowing On the slope of night? But the vanished corn is lying In rich golden glooms. In the churchyard, all the sighing Is above the tombs. Spring will come, slow-lingering Opening buds of faith; Man goes forth to meet his spring Through the door of death – George MacDonald
Blessings to you,
Sarah
anordinarymiracleday 