The Autumn air is refreshing. It holds the promise of the holidays. Hope is in the smells and the leaves. The dappled sunlight plays through the limbs of the trees. Suprised by joy, we venture into the future. At times, we know what we do not know. Our counsel is true, we think. Buffeted by chance and time, we believe we understand the future. Surprise is a constant in our journey. Happiness is peeking around the corner at us. The chapters of our time turn like the leaves on the trees. We may not realize the chapter has changed.

Fall teaches me that I will never complete my education. I learn new things daily. Walking as a human on Earth is a constant surprise. Life does not come with an instruction manual. What you think is going to happen often does not. When you are certain that something will not happen, it does. The eyes of Texas are upon you. People are watching.

The Preacher gathered his little flock in the Woods. They gathered seeking acceptance. They had come from fear. The Leader cried out for the blood of his enemies. Retribution was his lodestar. The church in the Woods was a sanctuary. The Preacher was prophetic. The Woods residents came wearing their best. Mr. Mole had on his best suit. His spectacles were perched precariously on his nose. He carried his copy of The Wind In The Willows. Mr. Mole often quoted Edgar Allen Poe. Mr. Mole had heard that the Preacher accepted all of God’s creation. The Preacher had no fear. Mr. Badger joined Mr. Mole in his vest and leather hat. Mr. Badger knew cold weather was coming. Mr. Badger had told Mr. Toad to dock the boat on the lake in the Woods so that they would have a means of transportation home after the meeting.

‘I am so pleased you all could come,’ the Preacher said. ‘Without our conclave are wolves in sheep’s clothing,’ the Preacher said. ‘The message of God is to love each other as you love yourself,’ the Preacher said. ‘Fear not the ravings of an unstable mind,’ the Preacher said. ‘All are welcome here and no one shall be denied, the Preacher said. ‘Money is not the secret of the Creator,’ the Preacher proclaimed. ‘Capitalism is not the doctrine of Christ,’ the Preacher noted. ‘Good is coming if you can receive it,’ the Preacher promised. ‘God created the animal kingdom and the human family to live together in harmony,’ the Preacher promised. ‘Hate is nowhere in the Bible,’ said the Preacher. ‘A storm cloud is passing over but will soon be gone, and the Sun will shine again,’ the Preacher said.

‘I loved what the Preacher said,’ Mr. Mole said. ‘He accepts all of God’s creation without favorites or cliques,’ Mr. Mole noted. ‘I felt welcome as a nearsighted Mole,’ Mr. Mole noted. ‘I think we must learn to love each other or go into the abyss,’ Mr. Mole said solemnly.