autumn

today was the most beautiful fall day... strong cool winds blew leaves from trees and sent others swirling along the ground while a warm sunshine kept me warm enough in just a button-up shirt and sandals

i'm reminded of a conversation Henri Nouwen had with Brother Elias, a hermit

".... during the twenty minutes we talked, Elias told me practically everything I needed to hear. He told me how the changes in the often rough climate were good - "goo-o-o-d," he said - because they deepened his longing for God. As the storms made him wish for gentle winds, the clouds for the sun, dryness for rains, so his heart learned to yearn for God and take nothing for granted. "What is so good about this part of the country," he said "is that it makes you realize that all good things are gifts of God - when the sun always shines you forget that it is God's gift, and you don't pay attention anymore." While he said this, his small round bearded face with happy eyes seemed to become transparent." - genesee diary, monday, june 3rd