The fall leaves are resplendent. They have outlasted my birthday week. I never tire of taking photos of them. They are new every day. Autumn leaves give me peace. Baseball is over for a while. It will be back soon. I was for the Blue Jays since I felt an affinity with their name. Holidays are here. We will be erecting the Christmas Tree later this month. I am in my element. The cool weather is perfect for my Outback Leather Hat and a jacket or sweater. Comfortable clothing for an old man who once was young. I eschewed the ball caps and stocking caps of my youth as soon as I was able to buy my own headgear. Neva J dressed me in funny-looking hats. Often it was what we called in those halcyon days a Navy Cap. If it was not for the Navy Cap, it was the hat that had ear flaps. The ear flaps snapped under my chin. I recall my first hat that had a semblance of a bill. It was a fuzzy what I called a Russian hat, and I loved it. They were popular in the 70s. Of course, Leisure Suits were popular in the 70s, but I never owned one. I never owned bell-bottom trousers, but I did have a pair of elephant leg pants. I liked the look and think they should return to men’s fashion. Navy Uniforms had bell-bottom trousers.

Words change things. The Bible tells us that God spoke the world into existence. Words heal and harm. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver, according to the scripture. A few words spoken in haste can destroy the confidence of many. Political leaders are afraid that a word spoken against the Emperor will result in their downfall.

I read a scripture passage yesterday, as I do four times a year. My friend Marta thanked me as I left the sanctuary after the service. My heart was warmed. The Bible admonishes us to be as wise as a serpent and as harmless as a dove. Easier said than done. Another admonishment is to let our yey be yey and our neigh be neigh. ‘In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, but he that refraineth his lips is wise.’I wish I had followed this wisdom more.

We are fellow travelers on the road back to Jerusalem. We come from many places. Representing all colors of the Rainbow, we walk with steady and halting steps. It is time to have the landscaper trim the plants and bushes for winter. We settle our hearts for the Advent of Christ. He teaches us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked. No prerequisites or qualifying stipulations. No political party affiliation required.