The beginning of fall...

It's that time of year again.  As of 10:21 a.m. this morning, September 22, 2016, we will officially enter the autumn equinox....also known as Fall.  It is a beautiful time of year with vibrant colors showering the trees, cool temperatures at night and aromas of apple cider, pumpkin pie and cinnamon sticks in the kitchen.  The sound of leaves crunching on the ground as we play with our fur babies, the warm heat in our homes and the change of summer clothes for warm sweaters all guide us to a new season delivering its own special circumstances and celebrations.

I enjoy fall.  It is the season when our daughter was born.  I remember the vivid hues of yellow, orange and red in the trees surrounding our house during that special time.  I remember wearing warm clothes to the hospital and making sure our newborn was safe and warm each time we went outside.  I remember making preparations for our family Thanksgiving and directing Christmas program rehearsals for our Church family.  Fall is full of beauty, activity and opportunity.

Yet it is always a bit disappointing when I say goodbye to summer.  I love warm temperatures, wearing summer dresses and flip flops...and going barefoot.  I love playing with our precious dogs and feeling the warmth of sunshine whenever I am outside.  I love picnics, summer drives and the smell of recently cut grass.  I love dancing in gentle, summer rains when everything smells fresh and clean.  I love rainbows, cooking on the grill and breathing better.  I love summer.  I will miss it.

I have learned on this journey, however, that seasons are a part of life.  Of course, spring, summer, fall and winter are expected.  Yet there are other seasons we may or may not anticipate. Although spring and summer are my favorite seasons, this year's warm months brought unexpected challenges and unpredictable circumstances.  Blessings were abundant.  Concerns and challenges were present.  Yet I learned to appreciate more the rising of the sun, the comfort of the rain, the power of the storm and the songs of night time creatures.  I learned to focus on each moment, release more of what I cannot change and cherish each miraculous breath given.

Today is the beginning of a new season.  Although temperatures will inevitably become cooler, I am learning to appreciate the warmth of a cup of tea, the joy of preparing homemade soup, the beauty of the trees and the celebration of life.  I certainly don't know what to expect in many ways but I do know that not one step of this journey is taken alone.  Some may call it Autumn.  I call it Fall for it is yet another opportunity to lean into His arms and be grateful for each wonderful moment.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am never alone.<3~thl