By Dr. Joe Yelton
Interim Pastor
I
t’s happening even as my fingers dance on the keyboard. The morning and evening air is cool, the leaves are no longer vibrantly green (some are even colorful), and the sense that autumn is here is freeing. It is a splendid time of year. We’ve shared winter (I came to you February 1), spring and summer. And now, we embark on the fall foliage journey when all around us, mountains turn into a palate of bursting color.
Many of us are old enough now to understand that the seasons of nature are mimicked in our very beings. We once were young and filled with spit and vinegar. Now, we find ourselves puzzled that everything is moving so swiftly. Once we had ambition and fresh ideas only to find them replaced with aches and pains.
Isn’t it refreshing though, to discover that slowing down isn’t threatening. Yes, it sounds ominous, but it isn’t. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will fly upon wings like eagles; they will run and not be tired; they will walk and not be weary.” (Isaiah 40:31)
In fact, who would argue that forest leaves are at their most striking beauty as the end of their journey approaches. Green becomes red and yellow, peach and orange. Drabness becomes brilliance.
More than a few have remarked in my presence, “our church is mainly older folks.” I say, celebrate that. Use these days when our flames are brighter than ever before to become light in the paths of searchers. Embrace these days when we are moving less swiftly, allowing us to enjoy the beauty we once were too busy to notice. Prove to those younger than our “average congregant” (there’s nothing average about any of you) that they are needed more than ever and we are wiser and more available to assist them, than ever.
First Baptist Sylva has a very bright future. However, with all things futuristic, we must have a sure foundation. We do! Thanks be to God.
– Joe