Fall is coming. It’s my favorite season. Growing up in a place where the leaves did not change the heat stayed long into “fall,” I cherish the leaves in my yard. Now, I did not say that I enjoy raking them or the maintenance that comes with Fall’s arrival. The leaves and breeze remind us that things change. Change is inevitable. Change can cause us anxiety and fear or excitement and hope. It seems like 1 year later as we approach the changing of the season, we are still battling pandemic. Many hopeful plans that were made have been postponed. Trips and getaways cancelled, and flights refunded. The leaves might reflect how you feel inside: barely hanging on, changing, and dry. You might be frustrated that you are stuck in this perpetual season of uncertainty. But Autumn also means provision. Harvest is here. A cooling breeze to remind you that the world revolves, and the heat is not forever. It means football is back, school is in full swing, and pumpkin flavored foods. Despite the dying of the leaves there is hope that the earth is bring forth nutrients. The Nebraska Extension Horticulture Educator, Kathleen Cue, says, “It’s too bad autumn’s fallen leaves are seen as a nuisance, something to be gotten rid of as soon as possible. In truth, they are a boon to landscapes, serving as mulches, benefiting soils, and boosting our compost piles. Not only are leaf piles fun to jump in and make for great leaf fights, by using leaves, we keep this resource out of landfills.” Ah, like in Christ death brings life. In this season of Fall embrace where you are, wherever you are. Christ is with you. Christ will bring you hope. When you feel the wind, know that the Spirit of God is in it. When you see the leaves or hear their crunch, know that the Creator is at work. When you grieve, know that the harvest will come, and provision will be made. So, enjoy a Pumpkin Spice Latte and rest in the knowledge that God is working with or without us. May we be brave enough to believe this.

Sincerely,

A Fall Fanatic

I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord! -Psalm 27:13-14