“Grasses wither and flowers fade, but God’s Word endures forever.” ~ Isaiah 40:8
Just a few days ago, the Earth experienced the Autumnal
Equinox. On September 22nd, the sun shone directly on the equator; both
hemispheres experienced 12 hours of daylight.
Autumn has always been
my favorite season - a strange mixture of nostalgia, blessings, and potential. My
thoughts turn to scarlet and gold, cooler nights, and flannel shirts. They evoke
fond memories of fall sports, raking leaves, and picking apples.
I close my eyes and
allow a gentle breeze to tousle my hair, breathing in God’s autumn fragrance,
as if our Divine Editor had taken a shift change. It’s a season filled with so much
to be grateful for: autumn festivals, seasonal flavors, and outdoor adventures.
The joy of snuggling up with a good book on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee
and my sweet puppy is hard to beat.
It's the perfect time
for me to do some of the same!
We marvel at the magic
of autumn’s vivid canvas of color and applaud nature’s wardrobe change. Yet we
humans tend to resist change.
While some changes
invite desired new beginnings, other changes may overwhelm, even bring sadness.
Yet as I ponder both desired and unwanted changes in my life, the
transformation of stale, uninspired routines often inspire positive behavioral outcomes.
When I watch leaves
drift gently from their branches, I marvel at how easily they let go. At just
the right time, they release and float to the ground. Trees' sacrifice of their
leaves in the Fall reveals more of God’s wisdom. Shedding their leaves conserves
energy and water, making room for new growth in the Spring.
Clinging to old ways of doing things and refusing to remove
poor habits keeps us from embracing life fully. Autumn reminds us to trust God
while releasing past bad behaviors and expectations, allowing God to nourish
new growth in us.
Autumn reminds us that
God is always near. Seasons come and go, but God remains consistent. During times
waiting for something extraordinary in our lives, let’s spend time preparing
our hearts and renewing our spirits. It’s in our longing that we encounter God.
Let’s also claim autumn’s
hues in our lives. Brown holds for us stability, protection, and simplicity.
Red excites passion, love, and adventure. Orange offers balance, warmth, and
freedom. Finally, magenta brings harmony and purple prompts imagination, deep
spirituality, and transformation.
Autumn’s rich hues offer
but a glimpse into the richness and diversity God has planned for us. So stay alert
for all that matters most.
Father God, as the leaves begin to fall,
we’re reminded of all that’s impermanent in our lives. No matter what tomorrow
brings, You remain close and constant. Help me to cling to You for all seasons.
Amen
