The tree of LIFE. Autumn has come and gone faster than I have thought this year. Although many still argue that we do not have 4 seasons, but rather 2, I completely disagree  Johannesburg is the worlds largest man-made forrest so the urban fabric is densely populated with all sorts of beautiful indigenous, but mostly exotic trees. This is the view from my boyfriends apartment. It is magical. I have watched this tree now for the past month, morphologically change from its bright summer green leaves to the burnt amber red in the already dry dusty environment. Its fellow yellow leaves scatter the floor golden, never to be seen again in its life. With this tree I am reminded the beauty of life, and that there is a god out there somewhere... how else could all this happen with no cause? 

Autumn

The first signs of autumn for me is when the Gladiolus's start to bloom together with the crisp golden leaves that start to shed from the giant chestnut tress throughout the city. This to me is bliss, a season of change which should always be welcomed with an open heart. I am going to enjoy every moment of autumn before the landscape does a turn, becoming dry and arid. 

Faith

I'm sitting on a moss covered bench in a secret garden at the 111 year old St. Peter Anglican Church in Melville. I feel so at peace. The door to the church is locked - that is fine, perfect - I would have not found this secret bench. There is music blaring in the distance - something that would have irritated me much, but the water trickling down the fountain behind me is calming. EXCATLY what I need. It's year end. My head is in a complete spin. Much change has happened, and I think I have finally lifted my heels that are so pain-stakingly digging in the dry earth everyday. I feel close to Him. At home. Beas, insects, buzzing, birds, pitter - patter, vroom... 

The air is fresh from the newly wet garden. So fresh I can smell the jasmine, the voluptuous roses, the soil and some other sweet smell I cannot think of right now... It will come.

Lord I pray for guidance, hope and humility, as I sit blissfully here upon You. 

Lost Love

There are things on life we can never predict. Some come as shock, other with joy and surprise and some with great deep sadness. But such is life - this is change is one of the most beautiful actions in life. You can either ignore it or run with it. Running with it as fast as your legs can carry or go. However not everything seems crystal clear, so baby steps are needed at first - I'm crawling at the moment, with uncertainty of what is around the corner, but at least I'm in the forward motion, slowly in Gods care and grace. Slow, careful, so I can hear and appreciate his every move - for me, for MY LIFE. Time will pass and like the egg, the circle of life will continue, majestically, beautifully, uninterrupted as it has been doing for millennia.

Lord I pray for wisdom and understanding - and I pray for the strengthening and renewing of my mind. Amen.