Savoring September

September is an interesting month here in Key West. It has taken me a few years to get used to the ebb and flow of the seasons here on the island. I grew up in New England where summer was the busy time and September was the time everyone got back to their regular routines of school being open and all the tourists (we called them "summer people") began to leave for the winter. The nights started to cool off a bit and apple season stated to arrive - Yum! When I moved to Florida (West Palm Beach area) in 2004 the seasons were turned upside down! Summer was the slow (and really hot) time and September began the return to normal routines and some of the snowbirds (summer people from the north) began to arrive back in town.

Moving to Key West, I have found another pattern of seasons and migration. As you all know, September is the slowest (and sometimes hottest) month of the year! I was shocked to find that many businesses in town (mostly restaurants) actually closed down for all or part of the month of September. However, there are definitely good things about September in Key West. We have excellent "locals deals" at the restaurants that remain open - we eat at restaurants in September that we can't afford the rest of the year. We enjoy much less traffic and can actually drive down the streets of Old Town without having to navigate massive bike and scooter traffic or hoards of pedestrians crossing the streets. And, the pace of life is just a bit slower.

October will start us back on a track to a season filled with festivals, events, parades and tourists. September gives us the last bit of down time as we prepare for a busy season that includes many major holidays, fundraisers and a lot of activity. So today, I give thanks for September! Even though we are at the height of hurricane season, September offers us a last chance to relax, enjoy, practice self care, eat good food and be blessed by the quiet! 

What do you have planned this month to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of our island home? What did you not take time to do this summer that will be all but impossible once the island gets busy again? Maybe you will eat at a fancy restaurant that you've been wanting to try or go to the Butterfly Conservatory, visit Fort Zach, the Garden Club at West Martello Fort or the Hemingway Home. You might go see some art at one of our many galleries, listen to music somewhere in town or go on a sunset cruise. Hey, here's an idea - why not come worship with us on Sunday? There are plenty of seats available this time of year!

However you decide to enjoy the last bit of downtime this September, I pray that you will feel God's presence, see Jesus in the eyes of all the people you meet and sense the guidance of the Holy Spirit on your life. We will be busy again soon enough. For now may we Be Still and Know that God is God!

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”(Exodus 33:14)

Grace and Peace

-Pastor Madeline