Autumn - Monday Musing, October 5, 2020
Dear Church,
Autumn. It sneaks up on us every year. The days shorten, losing just a bit more sunlight, and there is a slight nip in the air. Warm days and cool nights are a welcome sign of fall. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven... a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted,” so says the writer of Ecclesiastes.
The fall season is my favorite time of year. Although flowers fade and die, the autumn color reminds us of the changing seasons – for we know that while the trees will lose their leaves and rest for the winter, spring buds and new growth bring hope of new life.
This past weekend is reported to have been the peak of fall foliage. The Northern New England annual display of colorful beauty has not disappointed once again this year. Check out these photos:
But the experience of autumn is more than just our eyes enjoying visual beauty. We experience fall with our other senses as well – sound, touch, smell, and taste. Migrant birds begin their voyage south, the fall winds blow, dew and soon frost will cover the ground, the air seems crisper, and we enjoy foods that are only prepared this time of year. Autumn may have snuck up on us, as it usually does, but we should take the opportunity to pause, reflect on this beautiful time of year, and give thanks. The Psalmist writes, “Give thanks to God, who is good, whose mercy endures forever.”
For most of us, the past six-months have been challenging in many ways, and the coronavirus has consumed much of our thoughts. Perhaps you are already chilled to the bone at the mere thought of the impending winter’s bite, with nowhere to go because of COVID-19. I invite you to step outside, welcome the changing season, and take in all the sights, sounds, smells, touch, and tastes that this season has to offer before it passes. May you praise God for the goodness offered in this and every season of your life.
Faithfully,
Darren
