Change

Written by Linsey Wildsmith, Head of Christian Mission

There’s no mistaking autumn in our street. Our next-door neighbour has the most beautiful maple tree in his front garden. It turns a stunning deep red at this time of year and I love looking at it… until all those beautiful leaves fall off and somehow end up in our house every time we open the front door! But those falling leaves are actually a great picture of what autumn is about: change is part of the natural rhythm of life. 

The Bible says: “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 

Autumn is a season of transition. Trees change colour, leaves fall and nature prepares for what comes next. It can look like things are dying back, but underneath the surface, preparation is taking place for new growth. 

That feels particularly relevant to the work we do at YMCA. Much of our work is about walking alongside people through seasons of change. For someone moving into supported accommodation, beginning a new job, finding stability or taking their first steps towards a healthier future, change can be exciting, challenging and sometimes frightening. 

And progress isn’t always immediately obvious. Sometimes it looks like a major milestone. Sometimes it looks much smaller: someone asking for help, trying something again after a setback, making a new friend, or beginning to believe that their circumstances can be different. 

Our role is often to create the safe spaces, opportunities and relationships that allow that change to happen. Autumn also reminds us that letting go can be part of growth. A tree doesn’t hold onto every leaf simply because it has always had it. Sometimes things need to fall away to make space for what comes next. 

As the season progresses, it is also a good time to notice the harvest — the things that have grown through the work of YMCA, our staff and volunteers, and the many partners who work alongside us. 

So, as the leaves begin to fall, perhaps autumn gives us a simple reminder: 

Some seasons are about planting. 
Some are about growing. 
Some are about harvesting. 
And some are about preparing for what comes next. 

Whatever season you are in right now, we pray you’re able to see the value in it, and embrace the change it brings.