There is a change of seasons happening now, both in the natural world and the spiritual realm. I love fall colors, crisp air, smells of warm spices and burning leaves. Autumn is a time of harvest before the winter rest. Fall is a gathering of the land’s offerings. Carefully tended gardens transform into mason jars of warm goodness, abundance and nourishment. As summer’s green leaves wither, fall’s fruit is triumphantly exposed. Bright oranges, reds and yellows decorate the trees. Nature is heavy with produce, colors calling attention to harvest before the plant die off for the winter. Time slows, the sun’s brightness fades to muted shades of autumn. Fall is, to me, the most beautifully evident season. As things die off, more abundance is exposed. The weather changes, coolness soothes the air. It’s a little darker in the evenings. Comfort. It’s a time of cinnamon and comfort.
In the Spirit, we lay our gatherings before the Lord in gratitude and wonder. We take inventory of His blessings with a thankful heart. It feels warm, vibrant and peaceful. We are ready for a cozy winter, safe in the Lord’s provision, warm in His lovingkindness, and amazed at His never-ending goodness. Fall is a time of reflection and worship. As I look upon the mountains of winter squashes, pumpkins and melons; the rows of jars filled with vegetables and fruits, I reflect on the abundance and generosity of a God who meets every need, gives more than enough, and loves so vastly, it takes a lifetime to catch a glimpse of it. As I gather my thoughts into a quiet place of warm thankfulness, I see myself throwing old broken branches, brown leaves of doubt and dead vines of fear into the burning barrel. As the smoke rises to Heaven, the Lord smiles on my sacrifice of flesh simply because He is good. There is an undercurrent of excitement, expectation and wonder. What are we going to do Lord? I can’t wait to find out your next plan!
Have you ever raked up a big pile of vibrantly colored fall leaves just so you could jump in the heap and play like a child? For me, turning around and falling backward into a pile of leaves is the very definition of my spiritual autumn. A falling into the trustworthy arms of Jesus, laughing and playing joyfully in His provision and protection. It’s like a game, a hayride with my best friend. Fall is freedom, a release of finished things; an expectation of comforting things. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. I encourage you today, to jump in the leaves, play in the beauty He has given. Enjoy Him. He is the creator of all things, the giver of all things. The season has changed, the harvest of abundance is here. Jump in! Taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessings.
