My favorite time of the year is autumn. Even though it is a constant reminder that winter is near. I love the fall season with all the colors in the trees and the cooler days, as I joyfully pull on my favorite sweatshirt and worn out jeans. The atmosphere seems to stir with joy, celebrating that which has past and that which is yet to come.
Spring is the season of new life, fresh beginnings, while summer is the heat of our working years. The autumn season is one of slowing down, reflecting on the long summer heat. It is a time of enjoying the first fruits of the harvest and experiencing the joy of crisp morning days in the immeasurable colors that claim that winter is near.
In the natural world, winter in its chilling days represents to me a sense of closeness, and an intimacy, that we do not always expect when we first think of winter. But consider this, as winter draws near we tend to gather more. We tend to spend more time embracing, more time laughing, more time together. Many look at the lifeless world looming under the bitterness of the cold. Nevertheless, we draw near and share a warm space in the midst of the cold. It is here, where we anticipate and look forward to spring that will faithfully spring forth once again soon into life.
Listen to these words…
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing”. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
I encourage you, as we all move together into a new season, let us celebrate where we have come from and let us celebrate the grace God has extended toward us. Let us enjoy the blessing of God right now where we are. Let us hope with great expectation and joy for the seasons to come. Let us gather once more around the table with one ...
