Hot Days
In these hot days, it is hard to think of anything other fun in the sun going on forever. But, it is September now and with it, Labor Day, which means the summer is over and the autumn time is upon us.
Of course, if we have been looking at foliage, we would notice the portents around us. The crickets are singing in the evenings in full chorus of praise to God. That’s the one I like at this time of year. Leaves are beginning to change, and the slant of the sun is different. Somehow the sky is a more intense blue, too.
Reflections
Today the inside of my home transforms. While I enjoy altering my environment with the seasons, that same passage of time brings reflections.
Spring freshness gave way to summer’s fun. And now it’s summer’s turn to give way to the stunning autumn beauty. Hard to say which season is really more picturesque. Spring wakes up the flowers, gardens, birds and just plain life. Autumn is full out gorgeous, but underneath that splendor, death is at work and we see leaves fall from trees.
This year has not been an easy one for any of us. As I look ahead to the next season, I don’t see things going back to any kind of normal.
Especially with an uneasy election around the corner as well.
And winter is still ahead. A time when the chill in the air makes us shiver. Snow and ice may keep us locked up at home—but then, I guess that is nothing new for now.
If we look at our earthly conditions, there certainly is not much to celebrate.
Look Forward
But all hope is not lost. Not ever lost. Nope, never.
There is plenty to thank God for and, in this country, the day for that is just ahead.
In the mid-winter, we celebrate Christmas. Not the glitzy, party season, but the Hope of the World arriving to bring us joy, peace and hope.
In spite of a world gone crazy, an uncertain future looming ahead, we are never without hope. Look around at the glorious autumn ahead and enjoy the magnificence. Instead of letting the underlying death bring fear, let the Maker of this same magnificence become LARGE in your eyes.
His Presence rules over all things. Let the presence of Jesus surround you with sureness, strength and hope for the future.
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27 NKJV).
These small household altars seem to celebrate fruitfulness, time, and an abiding order—a calm that feels contagious. As well as colorful! Thank you, friend. I ‘m off to suss out a horizontal surface at my place that needs re-staging . . . or perhaps I mean reawakening. 🙂
Yes, a change of scenery, especially inside, is good for the soul!
Look forward. This is why Lot’s wife has always been a role model for me. I am pretty sure part of me has turned to salt, but, with the the grace of God, I still seem to be forward!
Onward, Sister! Onward! I think you do a great job of looking forward. You have a trail of beautiful quilts and stitched pieces to show for it, too! Not to mention those gorgeous photos you share. Those lift me up and, yep, keep me moving forward, too!
Thanks, Sis! You are a treasure! 🙂
As are you! Love you.