It seems like we went right from summer to winter weather here. What a shock to our systems! But, that’s fall in the Midwest! It could be hot, warm, cool or cold (all within 24 hours)! Even though I wasn’t quite ready for these cold temperatures and frost, I do love the change of seasons. Each one has a beauty all its own. I am so thankful that I can enjoy them all. It seems like I’m ready for the next one about the time it shows up. I do have to admit though that winter could be a bit shorter and it wouldn’t hurt my feelings one bit. But snow at Christmas is a sparkly blessing. One thing is for sure, there is nothing boring about our weather.
One thing fall brings is a riot of color. The color of the fall leaves almost takes your breath away at times. And, they bring hours of fun for kids when they rake them up and jump in. A few days ago, my husband and I took a drive and enjoyed the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival in Indiana. It was a beautiful morning but quite chilly. What a fun time we had.
{On a side note – My husband remarked that amid all the election madness in commercials, and the ugly words and actions that are going on in our country today, people we encountered on this trip were all very nice and kind. Something for all of us to think about. Not much in this world is within our control, but our attitudes, words and actions are in our control. What are we doing with them?}
Ok, back on topic – seasons. We did cut our visit a bit shorter than planned because it started raining. It made me remember and look up again what God says about the seasons. Of course, we all remember the verse in Ecclesiastes, but Deuteronomy is where I turned. Here’s what God says. I have underlined and bolded the words that jump out at me and make me realize there are conditions and consequences to everything, even seasons.
“So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today – to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul – then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil. I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied. Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. Then the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and he will shut the heavens so that it will not rain, and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the Lord is giving you.” (Deuteronomy 11:13-17)
It’s Fall here in Indiana. Anyone who attends football games can tell you that. Soon our leaves will be turning gorgeous colors. I have decorated my home with fall accents, and have pumpkins, gourds and mums on the front porch. But, during all this I am reminded that whatever we have, enjoy, etc. comes from God. It’s not on our own strength or ability that we have anything – life and all in it are gifts from God alone. Enjoy!