I SEE September, as a time of new beginnings. August has been the time for rest and relaxation. But September is the time when things change. We see leaves on the trees turning from greens to russets and golds before tumbling to the ground. And it’s the time of hard work as we rake up the leaves when they are strewn all over the garden. As the trees shed their leaves, it is as though a new tree emerges. It’s a new season. It’s a new season, too, for education as a fresh academic year begins

And beginnings …..well beginnings…. as the author John Galsworthy writes “Beginnings are always messy”.

The Bible begins with Genesis and we see how, in the beginning, life was messy. And whether you see Genesis as a literal explanation of creation, or a symbolic and poetic one, it is equally as powerful and meaningful in explaining that this world in which we live, this life on earth which we experience has to have some beginning. For Christians we choose to see God’s hand in this.

Sometimes life is messy and chaotic with darkness, meaninglessness, seemingly futile. Circumstances in life can make life messy.

So what do we do when we are in those messed up situations? It can be really hard to ask for help when we most need it, can’t it? But when we are surrounded by people who love and care for us, our families, our friends, our church family, our community, they can be the source of strength and support we need. When we see people in difficulty with messy lives, or messed up lives, we can have the privilege of being the one to get involved in helping in whatever ways we are needed by the other person.

I do believe this is the hand of God when someone turns up just at the right moment to help us clear up the mess we have found ourselves in.

Now is the time for a new season, a fresh start, a new beginning...

The Rev Jill Perrett,

Rector of Addingham