The Rev. Canon Anne E. Kitch
Canon for Ministry Formation and Transitions

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
Psalm 52:8

Even though I know it is a bit ridiculous, I grab my coat as I walk out the door. It is winter. It is supposed to be cold. And while part of my brain knows the forecast for today, sunny and warm, my sense of season tells me it is time for bundling up.

All day long people I encounter marvel at the unseasonable warmth and tell stories of daffodil bulbs coming up and the greening of trees. On my walk yesterday my attention was captured by the forsythia blooming with splendid recklessness. In the middle of December.

I perceive the risk these out-of-season forays pose, but at the same time I wish for similar determination. I want to lift my face as the season darkens and shine forth with the promise of new life. And I realize this is both God’s call and promise. In times like these, I can only trust in God’s mercy. And at all times, I can trust in God’s mercy.