The Handing Over Time

“The Handing Over Time” is how Carrie Newcomer describes the shift of seasons that we are in right now in her song of the same title.  She sings of the different shadows, character of light, birds changing and migrating, and even the dust that seems to be in the air during this time.  Ultimately the song is about entering into this change knowing that renewal and restoration will come again.  Here’s a link to the song on YouTube if you are unfamiliar with it.

I’m feeling that Handing Over Time right now.  While we are in the middle of Autumn, I am staring to see the signs of the next shift.  Like these two trees I saw this morning - some trees are still in full leaf and autumn reds while others’ leaves have mostly fallen.

It has been one of the most exquisite autumns that I remember and a lot of that is due to a week in Acadia right at the peak of Maine’s colors.

But not just in a stunning national park, but right here where we life - a leaf that fell in just the right spot at the right time to be illuminated by the morning light.

But this isn’t the only Handing Over Time I’m feeling right now.  We are a few days away from an election in our country that will reveal a lot about who we are as a country and the direction ahead.  Regardless of what happens Tuesday, something will be revealed and we all will have to live into that that new handing over.  I would be lying if I said I wasn’t anxious about the outcome because whatever outcome will have a very direct effect upon people I love with all my heart.  But I am also hopeful for my belief in who we are as people.  It is a weird combination of feelings.

Along with that, these shoes will likely be “retired” after Tuesday.

I’ve had these shoes for a while now but they’ve been the ones I have worn for nearly every canvassing time I’ve done in this election season.  My guess is that I’ve knocked on at least 1,000 doors since June and walked 80-100 miles on those routes.  And I’m sad about it because they are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever had.  But it is their handing over time as well.   

And finally, the first half of my sabbatical time is nearing an end as well.  It has been a beautifully renewing time but also a time that has allowed me an openness to write things that have been stirring for years and hopefully will coalesce into the book I plan to share by the end of the year.  I’ve been blessed in this time to have a crazy 36 hour trip to Chicago with my son for a legit purpose but also a Blues Brothers pilgrimage.  It allowed my wife and me to have an amazing time in Acadia and also to spend time with our daughter in Boston and family we haven’t seen for years.  But a week or so from now, I’ll be handing over that time to return to the regular routines.

What Handing Over Times are present for you right now?  How do you engage them?

Grace, Peace, Love, and Joy,
Ed

PS - Gentle reminder that calendars from my photography from this year are on sale here and also that my book will be (hopefully) self-published by the end of the year!

---