Yesterday morning as the darkness lifted and light broke through, it revealed the ultimate sign that Summer has crossed to Autumn, and the growing season in my little corner of the world is over for another year. Not only did it frost, we had a hard freeze. 28 degrees is not the number I had on my bingo card as the temperature to begin my Sunday! Now, this is not unexpected, nor unwarranted. Mid-October brings these changes every year. That doesn’t mean it’s not an adjustment!
Many people welcome October and its Autum weather with open arms and a sigh of relief that Summer is over. They prefer the crisp cool (cold) air and the opportunity to wear hoodies and flannels over the heat and sunshine. For others, this is a season of struggle, of longing and holding out hope for one more day in the 70’s.
October brings many changes that are lovely and remind us of the beauty in the world God created. The colors of the leaves and glorious mums, the bright orange of the pumpkins that dot the landscape and appear at roadside stands are all welcome sights. There is a certain scent that comes with the Autumn as well, maybe due to the crisp air, and the smoke of campfires and wood stoves. And oh, the tastes of Autumn! Apple cider, fresh cider or pumpkin donuts, and the comfort of chili, beef stew, and other comfort foods we don’t seem to make when the weather is warm are like old friends returning.
Maybe the change of seasons is not so bad after all.
One challenge for me that can come with the changing seasons is looking too far into the future. When the leaves start to change and the air begins to chill, my mind jumps to January and the cold we will encounter. I have spent many years not enjoying Autum because I only see it as a gateway to Winter. I jump over the wonder and begin to worry. Instead of enjoying and embracing each day I miss the blessings they hold.
How many times do we do something similar when we begin to see other changes in our lives? When roles change at work we might jump to the worry that we are being phased out. When we see things shift in our relationship circle we may wonder if we are still loved and needed. We see our children and grandchildren grow and become more independent and worry they will leave us behind. And as our bodies and brains adjust to the aging process we may feel like we are failing ourselves and others because our capacity to achieve isn’t what it used to be.
Although the first chill of Autumn, the shift in relationships and our life’s roles may come as a surprise to us, they are not to God. He reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 that life is a series of changes and appointed times. He also admonishes us in Matthew 6:25-34 to not worry about tomorrow, what we will eat, drink, or wear, but allow the Lord to take care of us – seeking His kingdom first!
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34
I’m choosing to enjoy Autum this year and let “Old Man Winter” come when it may. I’m going to soak up every bit of beauty and joy I can through these months of color, and relish every moment with family and friends, not worrying about what the future holds for any circumstances or relationships. I’m also going to spend time thanking God for all these things, knowing He has it all in His good plan.
Won’t you join me?
