Lord, you are merciful and gracious. — Psalm 86:15

Mass readings: Jonah 4:1-11 / Luke 11:1-4 

Appreciating Autumn 

Faculty meetings were my least favorite part of teaching. I wanted them to be over in 30 minutes or less. If the opening prayer went “overtime” (as I judged that), I’d be frowning before the first item of business. Frequently our opening prayers began with a reflection on the season. “It’s autumn now, Lord. Your trees of green are turning to deep reds, vibrant yellows, delicate . . . .” 

I’d be thinking, “God knows this! He looks at all the trees all day every day. We don’t need to waste time giving Him seasonal updates!” But I was the one wasting time. My irritation didn’t shorten the prayer or the meeting. It only ensured that I would be unreceptive to anything interesting or beneficial in either one. Sometimes just hoping for haste makes waste. 

Prayer: It’s autumn now, Lord. Help me appreciate Your autumnal wonders.