Autumn – my favorite time of year - nature’s palette of gorgeous colors sparkles across golden days that begin with a chill, then ease into warm afternoons, causing homeward bound school children to shed their sweaters and jackets. At night, a harvest moon trails a silky path through ebony skies sprinkled with brightly glittering stars. Summers lazy days evolve into a flurry of activity prompted by a new crispness in the air. It’s as though people feel a vigor that puts a bounce in their steps. I bake, cook and shop with renewed enthusiasm. Although with my September birthday comes another digit added to my age, I feel younger than ever. I clean house passionately, sweeping away summer’s cobwebs and the sand trailed in by bare feet. I take long walks, crunching through fallen leaves. I am always comforted by the change of seasons that is often depressing to many people, knowing that just as sure as brighter days come following life’s sorrows and trials, the sun will shine again after a storm.

The changing seasons are evidence of God’s faithfulness, reminding us that His word holds true. Spring always follows the coldest winter and autumn’s refreshing coolness follows summer’s draining heat. If we only take the time to notice, we can depend on God to be there, maintaining order in the universe and providing us with the beauty and joy of His creation. I shine in autumn. For me it is not an ending, but the beginning of another wonderful season that God unfailingly provides.

Leaves of Love
October moonlight lights a path
Through fallen leaves under starry skies
Cool breezes waft familiar scents
Of bon fire smoke and baking apple pies
Autumn is my time to rise
So much to see and do
While falling leaves rain down God’s love
And never leave me feeling blue