Autumn Seasons Prepare Us

Autumn (or Fall as we call it here in Minnesota) is my favorite season. But for many years it was also my least favorite.

I love the change of colors, temps, and activities. Nothing like aroma of a good bonfire, especially making smores, and the laughter of kids playing tag football in the background.

But then the brightly colored leaves fall and shrivel, leaving a mess to clean up. The cooler weather becomes a sharper cold, and the skyline is only barren trees reaching empty arms toward a gray sky.

With winter approaching, the favorite season becomes a depressing season. Long months of darkness and icy cold temps make being outside more complicated (and even dangerous, on occasion).

Will the leaves come again? Will flowers ever sprout when the ground is so frozen? It can seem that warm sunshine will never touch our skin. What to do with such darkness?

Rest - just as God's marvelous creation is doing.

Look - to the light of God's Word which dispels the darkness.

Anticipate - joy is indeed coming, bringing color, freshness, and new life.

There is peace and calm to be found in the winter months that prepare us for the coming season.

If your heart feels heavy like a winter storm, take courage. He is not finished, and His timing is perfect.