September Promise

I love Autumn and desperately wish it would arrive faster. The air turning from sticky to crisp, the smell of pumpkin pies and spiced cider, and everywhere you look there are splashes of colour as the leaves take their annual bow. It is the precursor to Winter, which is my favourite time of year, and so for me, Autumn holds the beginning-seeds of that magical wonderous season.

But even as the calendar taunts me, and the humid Florida air clings to my skin, I see the first signs of the changing season: coloured leaves are dotting the near-by sandy forest trails. Hiking these trails regularly allows me to commune with nature and fills me with much-needed peace. But it also fascinates me, seeing the familiar scenery change as the wheel of the year turns. Always changing, in motion, and vibrantly alive.

Soon the sandy trails will be covered in leaves, and their brilliant colours will softly fade into the ground under foot. The summer wildflowers will soon fall away, and winter berries will grow in their place. The heat-loving critters will disappear into hiding just as the geese leave us for their long journey. As the temperature drops, I look forward to longer nature wanderings. How much nicer it is to stroll amongst God’s creation when I’m not burning with heat stroke!

This time of year, as we expectantly await Autumn and the many nature changes that accompany her, serves as a wonderful time to acknowledge the many transformations taking place in our own lives – big and small alike. To be thankful for the many blessings bestowed upon us, and cherish our own inner vibrant colours of promise.