Welcome to September.

 Have you noticed that the daylight is shorter? That fall foliage predictions are starting? That Christmas is even being hinted at in some stores?
This is being written on a perfect weather day – the temperature is mild, the humidity is low and there’s not a cloud in the sky. The scenery is lush and green following the beneficial rain. We returned from the market and where we got enough food to keep us comfortable and healthy.
And yet… all this is transient. The weather can be cold, dark and rainy tomorrow. Though we feast our eyes on the green leaves and colorful flowers, we realize that soon all will be brown and sere. And our comfort and good health – well, almost everyone learns how fast that can change. So much in our world is so transient.
We have just learned about the death of the Queen. After 70 years, she had been on the throne of England for most people’s lifetime or memory. And yet… any person’s time in power is still transient.
It’s enough to make one, as the rich man said to himself “take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” [Luke 12:19] Too many people have, to a greater or lesser extent, adopted this very philosophy, at least in part, because of the unpredictable impermanence of our lives and our surroundings.
And yet… of all the persons and things we see and know, all that seems to come and go, there is One Who is not transient. We proclaim Him and worship Him every Sunday in our church. We do kind acts and encourage others in His name wherever we are.
Still, It seems like our lives, in their present form, are brief; and that so much is out of our control. Time to get into the Scriptures. Because there is more to this present form of life and more than just the time we spend on this earth. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus advised us not to be concerned or discouraged by the things that happen to us – it’s all transient. God has provided us with all that we need. He asks us to focus on Him. Yes, you will have trouble; unexpected things will occur; the behavior of those you meet, and even your own behavior, will sometimes surprise you; perhaps even shock you. Jesus teaches that you put it all into perspective. And do it His way. It is sometimes easy to feel defeated by what happens in our lives, – but it’s transient. Only One is sure: Stick with Him. He is not transient. “Jesus Christ the same yesterday , and today, and forever.” [Hebrews 13:8]

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you.
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
Matthew 6:33-34