A Poem for an Autumn Day

O Season of Autumn, be my teacher, for I wish to learn the virtue of contentment. As I gaze upon your full-colored beauty, I sense all about you an at-homeness with your amber riches. —— I sense in you no regrets. Teach me to take stock of what I have given and received; may I know that it’s enough, that my striving can cease in the abundance of God’s grace. May I know the contentment that allows the totality of my energies to come to full flower. May I know that like you I am rich beyond measure. As you, O Autumn, take pleasure in your great bounty, let me also take delight in the abundance of the simple things in life which are the true source of joy. With the golden glow of peaceful contentment may I truly appreciate this autumn day.

Earth Steward Action: Take a lesson from the autumn trees.

Source: Excerpts from a poem by Edward Hays from Earth Prayers, edited by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon.