I love fall. I love the colors, the chill in the air, the feeling of anticipation that comes with the approaching holidays...everything about it gives my heart joy. The colder temps are more difficult for my old body these days, but I still enjoy the nip in the air and the feeling of life it gives my spirit. The thoughts of the old things dying out and the preparation for the new things to be born in my life fill my mind and give my heart a lift. It is an amazing time of the year to me.
Times of change.........that's what I like most about fall. Change is an odd thing. Some people hate it, dread it, run from it at all cost. Others love it, eagerly look for it, approach every opportunity with joy and a sense of adventure. I am of the second sort; I always have been. I always liked working with a temp agency because it offered the opportunity to change my routine, meet new people, learn new things. I suppose that's why I love fall so much. Changes abound! Greens turn to golden yellows, brilliant reds, bright oranges, every hue of brown possible and even various shades of green appear.
It's somewhat like that with my life. My settled and satisfied shades of green become pools of troubled waters, shifting to shades of green not yet seen. Some transform to peaceful waters of swirling golden yellows, times that soothe my soul. Others become deep, brilliant reds, times that invigorate and prepare me for the adventures that lie ahead.
Still others transition into bright oranges, pure joy that carries me through the sometimes dark days of the winter seasons. Then, of course, there are the browns, the times that test my spirit and try my soul. Seemingly dark days that push me to stretch my faith and flex the trust that lies within me.
So much promise, so much opportunity, so much assurance, so much earnest availability in our covenant with our Lord. I don't see fall as dreadful or looming with the dying of summer, I see it as joyful and hopeful with the coming regeneration of winter and the promise of the newness of spring.
My colors change and I am suddenly bright as I prepare to enter the quiet time of renewal and regeneration necessary before I can experience the NEW, the future, the vow of spring in my soul!
Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God....
Ephesians 4:23-24a (CEV)
With all my heart I praise the Lord,
and with all that I am I praise his holy name!
and with all that I am I praise his holy name!
With all my heart I praise the Lord!
I will never forget how kind he has been.
I will never forget how kind he has been.
The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick,
and protects us from death.
His kindness and love are a crown on our heads.
His kindness and love are a crown on our heads.
Each day that we live, he provides for our needs
and gives us the strength of a young eagle.
For all who are mistreated, the Lord brings justice.
He taught his Law to Moses and showed all Israel
what he could do.
The Lord is merciful! He is kind and patient,
and his love never fails.
The Lord won’t always be angry and point out our sins;
he doesn’t punish us as our sins deserve.
How great is God’s love for all who worship him?
Greater than the distance between heaven and earth!
How far has the Lord taken our sins from us?
Farther than the distance from east to west!
Psalm 103:1-12 (CEV)
