“The seasons display God’s true craftsmanship." ~ Psalm
19:1
Rachel woke early as usual, ready
for another grueling ride on the corporate carousel. She was nearing her wit’s end at work; the
strain really beginning to surface. Lately
she hadn’t been able to concentrate, think clearly, or manage her emotions
effectively.
“This may be the perfect time for a Personal Day!” She wasn’t in the midst of a critical project;
her absence wouldn’t be a problem for the team today.
She arose from the warmth of a down comforter, lit a vanilla
candle, and started a new book. The air
was just warm enough to leave the window open; its gentle breeze fanned the
pages forward.
After several alluring chapters, Rachel donned warm socks
and a thick sweater. She considered spending
the day vegging out and catching up on her favorite TV shows. But she treated herself to something far
healthier: sunshine, fresh air, and a peaceful walk among falling leaves.
When Rachel entered the forest her spirits soared beyond the
colorful boughs above. Brilliant shafts
of sunlight stroked the carpet of reds and golds before her like a path for
Royals.
Rachel bunched her scarf up like a pillow and laid on it on
the grass. She spent the next hour watching
the sky as leaves tumbled toward her, dancing from branch to ground, each a
colorful flag roaming freely. The trees beckoned
her shout out loud, just to hear a voice echo amidst their mahogany flesh.
Before heading home, Rachel browsed an open-air market shopping
for the perfect products for dinner with a friend tonight. She picked up a loaf of fresh bread, a few
vegetables for soup and salad, and a jug of fresh apple cider.
Walking home on what had been a perfect autumn day, Rachel
found herself thinking about life’s impermanence. Time passes … from season to season. We experience the budding of life in spring
and the flowerings and profusions of summer. Now the leaves fall and bare branches remind
us of the fleeting nature of all things and the challenge to live every day to
the fullest.
Autumn is the perfect time to hear God’s voice amidst the
sound of leaves crunching and the scent of pumpkin-flavored coffees. She closed eyes in prayer, comforted when He
whispered Truth to her: No matter the
changes that come her way, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is eternally unchanging and faithful - no
matter the season, no matter the circumstances.
Father God, thank You for Your unfailing love
for me, Your blessings, and goodness. Thank
You for Scriptures that guide me and see me through times of uncertainty and
remind me of Your promises, plan, and provision. Amen
