The season of Autumn is upon us already and with it the changes it brings. Now we experience earlier sunsets and a later sunrise. Schools are back in session so no more summer vacations. I look in my closet for pants, sweatshirts and tennis shoes instead of shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops. Instead of picking fresh peaches and plums at the orchard, we’re picking out pumpkins at the local patch. I’m cooking soups and chilis and baking bread instead of savoring fresh fruit and salads. Instead of the regular season of baseball games, the TV channels are broadcasting football games. 

I have to admit, I’ve never cared for this season. To me, Fall always represents chores. Growing up, every weekend meant yard work. Raking leaves, clearing out the vegetable garden, blowing out the sprinkler system so it didn’t freeze over winter. Even as an adult, it meant winterizing our ski boat, packing away the summer lawn furniture and the same endless yard work. My mind set goes from “fun in the sun” to “buckle down and work”.

As much as I grumble about the new season, my Mom gets excited. Fall has always been her favorite. She loves the briskness in the air, wearing snuggly clothes and sipping her hot tea. But above all else, she loves the colors. I admit, they are the one thing I like about this time of year. With all the changes Autumn brings, the colors are the most magnificent. The trees are aflame with different hues of deep reds, burnt orange, golden yellow and warm brown. There are even shades of sparkling gold. Looking at them can be mesmerizing. It’s as if God has a new palette of colors every year. I think New England is one of the most beautiful places to experience the colors of this season. It is breathtaking. And that is probably why Mom loves it so much. She was raised in Massachusetts. 

The bible says, “there is a season for every activity under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). How very true this is. I believe in God’s perfect timing. I may not understand it but I believe and accept it. So now is the time to embrace the changes before me. I need to put a smile on my face as I do the chores. And most definitely get lost in the beauty of His breathtaking colors. I hope you will too. Take time to notice the beauty in your area and say a prayer of thanksgiving for His stunning work. 

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”  Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”  2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV