Fall is my favorite time of the year, the air takes on a cool, crisp feel and carries the scents of wood fires, decaying leaves, and apples and pumpkins baking in the oven.  Also, it is that time just before Advent (the Advent of the Advent season, as I like to refer to it); I used to call it the lull before Advent.  However, there isn’t much lull anymore.  Everything is always busy!  I realize that I have just blinked and missed the last month, AND have worked way too many hours, not exercised enough and probably enjoyed too many baked apples (in the form of pies).  Also, I have come to the conclusion that self-care can only happen if I choose to make it happen.  In being called to ministry, God did not invite me to be abusive.  In relationship with God, I can manage to take care of myself, and be good to myself, and accomplish what I need to in a given day or week, even if I struggle to believe that.  I only need to choose to take care of myself and to work in relationship with God to be who God is calling me to be.

Beth Kennett October 2010