Jesus continued to be vulnerable, even to death on a cross. It was this surrender that led to the tremendous new growth of Resurrection. He was referring to the autumns in our lives, those moments of vulnerability when we are asked to shed our armour, to open our selves to try something new so that more of our giftedness can be shared, to stand firmly on our convictions amidst controversy, to love when we know there will be no positive response, to walk the extra mile. Being vulnerable doesn't mean being weak and allowing anyone and everything to hurt us. Vulnerability is to know the paradoxical power in surrendering ourselves to God, for a surrendered heart can do all things through the One who gives us strength.
Autumn is that necessary transition between summer's fruitfulness and spring's new life.
No new life can come unless autumn agrees to let go of what has been. The same is true in our lives. God of autumn, may your Spirit move through our lives with winds of blessing. Breath in us and unleash in us whatever it is that needs to die so that new life may be born in us. I often hear people say that the Internet is too confusing and that they can never find the information they are looking for.