Wash to Stay Well as the Seasons Change

Hello Beloved! Here, on the east coast, Fall is coming slowly and almost insecurely. But, its confidence is increasing. No longer shyly showing its face. The leaves are making their way to the ground and the air is cooling.  The environment is changing. And people are acknowledging it. Sweaters, long pants, thick socks and chunky boots are being worn. People are transitioning. 

Although transitions are a constant of this life, they must be engaged thoughtfully. For even when they are a mark of progress they present their unique challenges. For our bodies, "transitioning from warm weather to cooler temperatures can affect our immune systems and make us more susceptible to colds and the flu." (Sunday Morning Health Corner, Season Change Preparation). While the cooler temperatures do not directly cause illness, they make contexts where illnesses, such as the cold and flu are more likely. (Medical News Today, What's the Link between Cold Weather and the Common Cold?). This month we provide tips to help you successfully transition into the new season.

Our first tip brings us back to basics: wash your hands to keep them clean and get rid of bacteria and germs that can make you and others sick: 

And as it is in the natural, so it is in the spirit. As we come and go through this world our "feet" become dusty-covered with the remnants of a broken world, i.e. its thinking, its interpretations and messaging about God, self, others and things, past, present and future. Daily we accumulate the residue of our sin-our  coming to agreement with the world. Daily, we are in need of a washing of our "feet". A renewal of our minds: having our minds aligned with God's thinking and our consciences cleansed through confession of our sins. (John 13: 1 - 15). It is in this daily practice that we come to experience soul wellness, which in turn makes us a true blessing no matter the season.

Happy temple building!

Take care. Bless many.