I've noticed that October seems to be a perennially intense month in terms of my spiritual life. How I come out of October seems to set the course for the next few months, if not the entire year. This is a pattern that has recurred since at least junior year of high school.

I just read that the squirrels in New England are stashing away lots of acorns in preparation for what may be a brutal winter, any maybe that's what October is for me too, a time to encounter God closely to draw strength I need for the long winter, when physical and emotional lows often add up (or perhaps come from) spiritual lows as well. I'll certainly need it this year with classes and student teaching coming to a head winter quarter. But I'm hopeful that it will turn out well because I am greedy for more of God's spirit this October. I want to be more like You, Lord: stronger, more gracious, more loving, more merciful, more forgiving, more patient. Winterize me, Jesus!