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Autumn: The Exemplar of Renewal

Autumn carries a magical charm, the leaves turn brilliant shades, the air grows crisp, and the world around us begins to quiet. As the world around us slows down, shedding the old to make way for the new, it's an invitation for us to do the same. 

Releasing the Old

The leaves lazily drifting downward from the branches from which they grew is a reminder that autumn is a season of letting go. The trees release their vibrant leaves, shedding what has served its purpose, preparing themselves for the stillness of winter. Through this act of surrender, the natural world sets an example for us to follow. In the same way that the trees release their leaves to make room for new growth in the spring, God calls us to release the sins, burdens, and old habits that weigh us down, keeping us from fully embracing the life He has prepared for us.

Letting go is not always easy. It can feel vulnerable to surrender control or to face the discomfort of change. Yet, autumn shows us that through the process of regeneration, there is beauty and strength in release. When we release our sins and lay down our burdens before God, we open ourselves up to His healing and renewal. So, as you witness the beauty of leaves falling, take a moment to consider what God may be asking you to release- let autumn inspire you to let go of the old so that the new can take root and flourish in your life.

Preparing for the New

As autumn fades and winter approaches, the Earth discreetly prepares for what lies ahead. Beneath the fallen leaves and frost-touched ground, the earth is at work, storing energy, enriching the soil, and preparing to burst forth with new life in the spring. This season of preparation is essential; without it, the ground would not be ready to sustain the fresh growth that will follow.

Much in the same way, we need periods of downtime from our busy lives to look inward to refocus on the behind-the-scenes groundwork for our future endeavors. Autumn invites us to pause, reflect, and prepare ourselves for what God wants to do in our lives. Preparing for renewal means aligning our minds and spirits with God’s will so we are ready to blossom anew when the time is right. Take this time to take stock of your spiritual well-being and any areas where it may have become hardened or complacent. This might look like dedicating time to prayer, immersing ourselves in Scripture, or simply embracing moments of stillness to hear God’s voice. When we set aside distractions and refocus on Him, we are earnestly readying ourselves for spiritual growth.

Purposeful Reminiscing 

Harmoniously, as the year draws closer to an end, the vivid hues of autumn dwindle into softer tones. Deep within the soil, trees tuck away precious nutrients in their roots, a quiet reservoir of strength that whispers life through the long, silent winter. Likewise, this hushed lull provides an opportunity for us to look back over the past year, taking note of and drawing strength from God’s thorough commitment and loving presence in our lives. 

Make time to decompress and recollect the abundance of blessings that have made an appearance over the last eleven months. Consider the highs and the lows- the unexpected provisions, answered prayers, trials, and the courage to endure; seek to recognize all of the hidden ways that He carried you through challenges, provided for your needs, and renewed your spirit. Celebrate His love that has seen you through another year and take comfort in knowing that the same God who was faithful yesterday will continue to be faithful in the days to come.

Laying the Groundwork for the Future

A testament to the belief that the efforts of today will yield blessings in the future, farmers use this time to plant seeds that will lie dormant throughout the winter, awaiting the enticing warmth of spring to trigger their growth. In this regard, Autumn encourages us to focus on the long game. Like the farmer who trusts that buried seeds will one day bring forth life, we must trust that God is at work beneath the surface, preparing something beautiful to bloom. 

Now is the time to invest in the unseen— Every small act of faith, every moment spent in God’s presence, and every seed of love we plant will eventually bear fruit.

Accepting Autumn’s Call

From its colorful and bright colors to its gentle descent into winter, Autumn offers us a precious opportunity to mirror the natural world by letting go of the old to prepare for what lies ahead. When we answer this call, we can enter the coming months rejuvenated and ready to experience the fullness of God’s love and the new beginnings He has in store for us.

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

Gratitude Tree Craft

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, it’s a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives. But why not make gratitude a daily habit? A beautiful way to do this is by creating a “Gratitude Tree,” a visual reminder of all the things we’re thankful for each day. This simple craft encourages us to take a moment every day to acknowledge and appreciate what we have—and share that with each other.

What is a Gratitude Tree?

A Gratitude Tree is a meaningful activity for anyone. It is a versatile tool that can be modified to be used among family, friends, colleagues, or any other group. Everyone contributes a leaf each day with something they’re grateful for. Over time, the tree grows more vibrant as it fills up with everyone’s expressions of gratitude. This tree can be as big or small as you want, and the beauty of this craft is that it evolves as you find new things to be thankful for. 

Why a Gratitude Tree?

A Gratitude Tree is a valuable practice that grants us the opportunity to perceive grace and grow appreciation in life while encouraging us to see God’s hand in everything.  

Beyond that, it allows us to:

• Strengthen Bonds: Sharing gratitude encourages us to understand each other’s lives, challenges, and joys.
• Focus on Positivity: Even on difficult days, taking a moment to express gratitude can shift our focus to what truly matters.
• Create Lasting Memories: Each leaf on the tree represents a moment in time, a blessing from God, and a precious memory.

How to Create a Gratitude Tree

Materials:

• Poster board or brown kraft/packing paper
• Colored construction paper (red, orange, brown, yellow)
• Markers/colored pencils/crayons
• Tape/glue/string
• Scissors

Instructions:

First, gather all of your supplies. Then, you'll create the tree trunk. Draw a simple tree trunk with branches on a poster board, or use kraft paper to form a tree trunk and branches. Then you’ll prepare the leaves by cutting out leaf shapes from colored paper (or you can print and cut these leaves). Be sure to make plenty—you’ll want enough for each person to add one every day through the month! Now that everything is prepared, you’ll want to set aside a time each day for everyone to gather together and reflect on all of the blessings in their lives. Every day, everyone will take a leaf and write down one thing they are grateful for. Use tape or string to hang your leaves to your branches, and watch your tree grow with colorful reminders of gratitude! When the tree is finally full, take some to read each leaf together. Discuss what each note of gratitude means to you. 

Bonus: By Thanksgiving, your tree will be full of blessings, making it a beautiful and fitting centerpiece for the holiday. 

Wrapping Up

A Gratitude Tree is more than a craft, it instills a habit of daily gratitude. Each leaf is a memory, a blessing, a lesson, or a joyful moment that you can look back on. Keep your gratitude tree as a keepsake or make it an annual tradition. The memories captured in those leaves are priceless, and it’s a joy to look back and see the many ways God has been present in your life.

This November, let’s celebrate the blessings we have, and elevate our gratitude. What are you grateful for today?

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

The Dignity of Labor and the Eternal Value of Our Work in Christ

Labor Day is often seen as a long weekend; a well-deserved break from the nine to five. But it's more than that- it’s a time to honor the hard work and dedication that contribute to our communities and livelihoods. Likewise, it is an opportunity to reflect on the underlying meaning of our laborious efforts. The Bible establishes work as more than a necessity or a means to an end, but a sacred calling that carries inherent dignity and eternal value. It reveals that all work is purposeful and eternally significant when done for God’s glory. The Bible’s stance is a powerful reminder of the value of work, easing our stresses while helping us to find joy and fulfillment in every task, big or small, leaving us feeling satisfied by the knowledge that our efforts matter to God and His Kingdom. 

Work in the Good Book

From the very beginning, the Bible verifies work as a holy institution, with God Himself as the ultimate example of a diligent worker. Setting the precedent for the cycle of work and rest, God’s act of creation demonstrates that work was not a consequence of the Fall, but rather it is inherently good and a part of God’s perfect plan for humanity. Throughout Scripture, work is elevated as a form of service and obedience to God. whether it’s Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, Paul crafting tents to support his ministry, or Lydia using her skills in trade to further the early church, we see that our daily work serves a greater purpose. Regardless of its nature- building, teaching, serving, or creating- our labor is an integral part of God’s design, and these stories remind us that work in all forms is a way to mirror God's determination and creativity and fulfill our purpose as His stewards on earth.

The Promise of Labor

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

1 Corinthians 15:58 provides encouragement about the value of work. Concluding a discussion about Christ’s resurrection, Paul shares this message that reassures that every effort done in service to God- spiritual, physical, or emotional- is meaningful and has lasting implications. 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… Colossians 3:23

Again, Colossians 3:23 instructs us to work heartily for the Lord and not for man, affirming that the true measure of our work is not in its societal status and emphasizing that the quality and intention behind our labor are what truly matter.

Embracing this perspective allows us to view our daily endeavors- even the most mundane- as never wasted and inspires us to carry them out diligently. 

Societal Pressures 

Today’s consumer-driven society tends to equate worth with wealth, obscuring the true value of work and undermining its dignity. The modern emphasis on rapid success and high status often leads to the devaluation of jobs that are essential yet less glamorous; eroding a sense of purpose and exacerbating feelings of inadequacy. Despite society distinguishing what constitutes "high" and "low" forms of work, we’ve identified that the Bible upholds the intrinsic value of all labor. 

In the following examples, we will consider the spiritual significance of various forms of labor, regardless of the societal perspective of each:

Household Chores: These daily tasks are opportunities to care for, bless, and provide for the needs of your family.
Grocery Shopping: Adopt shopping with intention, being mindful of healthy options, provides a chance to meet the nutritional needs of self and others while allowing an opportunity to practice gratitude for the resources available.
Office Tasks: Maintaining a positive attitude while committing to your work demonstrates an honorable work ethic and integrity.
Customer Service: Customer service can be trying. However, approaching all situations- difficult and easy ones alike- with kindness and patience allows the freedom to mirror Christ's respect and compassion.
Parenting: Parenting is a form of stewardship, shaping the next generation with love and wisdom, reflecting God’s nurturing and grace.
Volunteer Work: Volunteering demonstrates selflessness and love, aligning with the call to serve.
Janitorial and Repair: Taking pride in a clean and orderly environment contributes to the well-being and functionality of that environment, upholding respect for others and God’s provision.
Gardening and Landscaping: Tending to the land echoes man's first laborious responsibility- God entrusting Adam to care for the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). It is a way to express creativity, take joy in the beauty of creation, and provide a space for others to enjoy. 

Embody the Principle of “Labor in the Lord”

Living out the principle of "labor in the Lord" involves integrating God into every aspect and form of work. This means recognizing work as an extension of worship- a form of ministry that honors Him- transforms our efforts into a meaningful expression of faith. 

The chart below shares examples of how you can align your actions and mindset to create opportunities to witness and honor God throughout daily tasks: 

Wishing You a Restful Labor Day

No matter how humble or grand, it is crucial to remember that every task we undertake holds the potential to honor and glorify God. When we acknowledge and value our work, we are given an opportunity to approach each day with a renewed sense of purpose and joy. This Labor Day weekend, we encourage you to take the time and consider how you can best embrace laboring in the Lord. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ