Right about today I begin to play the Barry Manilow song, “When October Goes” over and over again. It is a Sheptock Family Tradition. My daughter Abbie knows it full well. It is a haunting Manilow penned melody, the perfect soundtrack for any overcast autumn day, combined with the lyrics of the legendary songwriter Johnny Mercer.
In the last year of Mercer’s life, as he was dying from brain cancer, Johnny showed great admiration for the music of Manilow, especially the song “Mandy,” which also just happened to be the name of Mercer’s daughter. After Mercer had passed, his wife, Ginger Mehan Mercer, gifted a trunk load of unfinished lyrics he had written to Barry with the hope that he could complete them into full-fledged melodies.
“When October Goes” was one of the beautiful results of the marriage of these two musical greats! Rather than just sitting in somebody’s attic collecting dust- Mrs. Mercer gave new life to her husband’s legacy by sharing the treasure.
I am not a big fan of collecting items just to hold on to them so that one day it can be resold at a profit. Toys were never meant to just stay wrapped in an unopened package. They were meant to be enjoyed by a child.
Music that isn’t played is a gem buried deep. Love that is not expressed is a decision that needs correcting. Trips not taken, notes not written, gifts not given, memories not shared, hearts not exposed to the elements are all pretty safe bets that land in a world of regret.
What are you holding on to today that would be so much better served if you would have the courage to give it away?
I think about our faith. As Christians, Jesus commanded us to let our light so shine before others. We should never hesitate to look for creative ways to pass our love for God along. If it only takes a spark to get a fire going, why are we being just a little too fireproof?
How can you show others your love for the Lord in practical ways today? Why not surprise a friend in need with a meal? How about paying for the coffee of the patron waiting in the convenience store line with you?
When was the last time you lived out those vows you spoke on your wedding day with your spouse by doing something special without it being expected? Don’t save the chance for the Son to shine through you only for a rainy day. Do it now and give it away.
Let’s get back to the Mercer and Manilow musical collaboration, “When October Goes.”
The lyrics include these lines, “And when October goes, the same old dream appears; and you are in my arms to share the happy years. I turn my head away to hide the helpless tears. Oh, how I hate to see October go.”
October is the month of fabulous fall foliage. Colors from the Divine Artist fill our daily palates with breathtaking effect. But it is also the season when the days get shorter and it gets darker sooner and the chill returns to the air. It is no time to be alone because the holidays are soon upon us.
It is a period for homecoming. It is a time of transition for summer dreams to become winter dances. Nobody wants to be alone when God wired us to cultivate community.
When I was child, Oct. 31 was a neighborhood block party. People inhabited their porches. Kids would race form door to door seeking treats and more.
The fun size back then was a full-sized candy bar. We would fill pillow cases with the confectionary goodies. Nobody locked their doors. Nobody kept their shades down and their lights out.
We looked forward to connecting and celebrating and smiling and cherishing the moments. But now it is totally different day and because of the foolishness of a few, we have thrown the baby out with the bathwater and rarely get together at all.
I know people who live in neighborhoods for years and still don’t know their neighbors. What happened? Why did we all lock ourselves away and round up our goodies to collect dust and rust rather than see the newness of life? Does it have to be this way? Can somebody cross the street before another October gets away from us?
“When October Goes” concludes like this: “I should be over it now I know, it doesn’t matter much how old I grow. I hate to see October go.”
We just finished tonight our annual Trunk and Treat here at The Lighthouse Church. In just two short hours we got to see and talk to about 1,500 people that went through.
We served 875 hot dogs and gave out enough candy to make every dentist within Cape May County richer by far. All it took was an invitation for some dear congregants to decorate their trunks so that we could pass out treats and more than that, laughter and music and joy and communication.
I don’t want to wait 365 more days before we do it again. The real richness of our days is in the relationships. Before another October goes, who can I tell that I love them?
These are the “Good Old days,” that our children will be reminiscing about tomorrow. What are we doing to make sure that they have something of value to remember?
What are we giving one another? Is the drawbridge to your castle down or is it locked up tight so that nobody can penetrate the fortress?
I want to hear the sound of children enjoying their youth. I want to give the best of my lyrics to the songwriters of the future.
Before October goes, what will I show up with now so that strangers today can become good friends in November? It is not dark yet.
Will you leave a light on for someone to find their way to your door? Will you teach your song to me so we can do a duet? The time is now. October hasn’t gone yet. But it will and so today is the day to move. Now who gets the first gift of the harvest in your heart?
