Changing seasons, changing colours

We have now been in our house exactly six months. When we first heard it was opposite a graveyard, we wondered what it would be like. In Japanese this large graveyard is called literally a 'spirit garden'. It is filled with mature trees which are looking quite stunning as they change from green to different shades of red, orange and yellow. With the blue skies and sunny days of late, it's a great place to walk. When we thought of the house, we saw it as great provision as a place to start a new church - spacious inside, parking spaces, neighbours only on one side. It is all of that. But it's also a great place to live with views over the city to one side and at the moment on the other side, nature shown in all its beauty, with the mountains too rising in the background. The change of seasons is precious to the Japanese people and something they feel keenly. And we wonder - how can people look at such beauty and not see the hand of the one who created all things? We're looking forward to the next six months - even if winter is just round the corner!