What a  beautiful gift. I had waited for weeks for its’ arrival. However, I knew hundreds of others were also awaiting this gift from God. Rain-rain!  Rain and falling leaves! Had fall finally arrived? Because the stores had begun their fall displays and sales shortly after our July 4^th celebrations, would my display of pumpkins and fall decorations in September hasten its’ arrival?

If the store displays and my decorating wouldn’t accelerate fall’s appearance then certainly all the Pumpkin Spice “everything” must allow fall to show its’ colored foliage and cooler days.  No, the temperature was still warmer than normal for this time of year. For weeks I had gazed upon my sweaters, hoping I could wear even one for a day or two. Yet, the warm, humid days hung on, even though the calendar had commenced fall weeks ago.

Fall has always been my favorite season of the year. I despise the long, hot summer days, so I have eagerly anticipated fall. I love the beauty of spring, but also realize it is alerting us to summer which is arriving sooner than desired. Yet, with fall, I have the anticipation of a few cooler months.

Flannel jammies, fire places blazing, sweaters, warm mittens, cider and hot chocolate with marshmallows are some of my favorite “gifts” of the winter season, which can warm almost any cold heart. Although in Texas, most of the “winter” images must be replaced with short sleeved tops, light weight jackets and merely thoughts of “blazing fires.”  I can still savor a cup of hot cider or chocolate and reminisce of the days when the calendar appeared and felt more like the month it was displaying.

Joseph Rhea shares his thoughts on autumn. “ In Autumn, the creativity of God hollers. Look at these things! These paper-thin solar cells that convert sunlight into acorns! They’re everywhere, and they’re made by a God who…doesn’t know how to stop creating. Autumn reminds us that there’s a world of wonder. Spring and summer have their splendors. But autumn has a glory all its own. Autumn leaves are delicate, but their colors are so bright they almost shine. Summer’s wardrobe of green is great, but it has nothing on the end-of-life beauty of the fall.”

As I read Joseph’s words, I thought of our lives. Some of us are in the fall, knowing that soon will be the last season of our lives; winter.  Yet, until God calls  us home, there is beauty. We might truly be more fragile like the delicate leaves Joseph spoke of, but we can be a world of wonder. I’ve so often said “for as long as God allows,  I desire to be used for Him.”  I want His light to shine through my leaves. I want others to see my colors; the colors of God’s love.

If we have not allowed God to nourish us in the spring and summer seasons of our lives, as we arrive  in the more delicate and fragile season, our leaves won’t be bright. 2 Timothy 4:2 NIV, “preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction..”