FALL IS IN THE AIR, A TIME FOR INTROSPECTION

Once more “fall” is in the air.  I’m not certain I could adequately explain what that means for those who’ve never had the privilege of experiencing an autumn day in New England, but there is a palpable change in the “feel” and the smell of the air that runs more deeply than simply a dip in the average daily temperature. There is an intuitive “knowing” that change is afoot, not signaled alone by the slowing of the growth of the grass beneath your feet or the slightly sweet scent of apples that playfully kisses your nose when you meander in the woods, or the hint of fall hues that heralds the oncoming, emblazoned glory of the trees decked out in their fall finery like socialites in the grand Easter parades of yore. The sunshine is softer, gentler, more introspective—not nearly as bold or brassy or confident as the intrepid rays of summer that scare away the gray and playfully chase the shadows through golden fields.

Yes, fall is in the air—an intuitive sense of mortality that deepens our appreciation of the transitory nature of life and the transient-dearness of its deepest treasures. It is not the rows of figures totted up in our bank book that satisfies the core of our being. It’s that knowing glance, the intimate love of one’s soulmate, the trusting touch of a child’s hand as you help him across the thoroughfare, a neighbor’s kind smile, the heartwarming giggles of a child as she loses herself in play—a kiss, a hug, a wink, a laugh—all of the shared experiences that connect us as human beings.

So, fall is in the air. What will you do with this kind gift, this tender reminder to savor the moment, to drink fully and deeply from the well of life? There are as many answers as there are people reading this blog: for some, a letter or a phone call will be made to reconnect to a friend or loved one or just to express thanks to a parent or grand-parent, neighbor or friend. For some, it will be an abandoning of the niggling irritations that so easily beset the human spirit and overly complicate our lives. For some, it will be quiet meditation and heartfelt thanksgiving. For some, less time will be spent in the office and more at the family dinner table. Whatever your personal prescription, I challenge you to soak up the view on life’s journey, to take the time to meaningfully connect to all of the wonderful people in your life. Take time to be joyful.

And if you just happen to be thinking about a vacation as a brief respite from the “freeway of life”, please consider visiting Vermont. It epitomizes much of what is still right with life—the value of family and friends and community. And please do visit us here at Rock of Ages when in Central Vermont. We’ll be certain to make you feel welcome. But whatever you do or wherever you go, choose to connect, choose to make a difference in the lives of others. When those fall thoughts of mortality press upon you, you’ll be glad you lived a rich, full life of connection and service.