Ecclesiastes 3:1 – There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Gratitude Day 901

Tomorrow is the first day of fall 2024. It happens to “fall” on September 22 this year. (I know. A bad Dad joke.) This past week has felt more like summer in Wisconsin than fall. In the 80’s every day. The shine shining every day.

Yet, the sun goes down a few minutes earlier every night. It’s cooler in the morning than a few weeks ago. The leaves are starting to change colors. And yes, we have pumpkins in front of our house. Homegrown by Hubby Rick.

There was also a full moon this week. I saw this breath-taking photo of a church called Holy Hill near Fond du Lac, WI. It’s just so … perfect. I cannot take the credit for the photo. The person timed it just right.

These have also been the days that Hubby Rick reminds me, “Do you know how much I LOVE the summer?” He’s drinking them all in. His days have included chopping hay and corn. But he still appreciates the sleeveless shirts he is wearing.

Fall is a spectacular time of the year. The colors. The hues. The flavors. Football games and volleyball matches. Yes, we’ve taken in several of these. Sometimes, it feels wonderful to put on a comfy sweater and wrap your arms around yourself because there is a chill in the air. It just feels … nice.

If you are like Hubby Rick and feel like summer is slipping away and won’t be back for a very long time, take a look at this saying:

The trees stand tall and wait for better days to come. It will be a while before little shoots of leaves sprout on the branches. But let’s not wish away these falls days. Celebrate the seasons. Appreciate that God had such great sense that God created them! Love the apples and the carved pumpkins. And yes, the pumpkin bread and the smell of a fall fire.

The days go quickly, I believe. Maybe it’s just because I’m getting a little older. But I want to hang onto them ALL. Every. Single. One. Yes, there are days that feel a bit more difficult than others. But truth? If you had running water in your house, heat when you need it and a hot meal to eat at some point today, you are truly blessed. Yes, it’s easy to lose sight when unexpected things come our way. We get surprises we don’t really like. Or the to-do list never gets shorter.

Remember the falling leaves. The trees need time to rest before they can grow again. Maybe your soul does as well. This is a season of change outside. It can also be a season of change INSIDE your heart and mind. It’s your choice.

I’m going to enjoy every apple orchard visit. The little people who point out the pumpkins in front of our house. The crisp air during a night football game and the leaves gently becoming a different hue. And yes, I’m going to look inside my heart and mind and ask myself, “What is God asking of YOU this season? What might you stop doing so you have more opportunity to do this something else that God is asking you to do? Where can I be simply more present rather than rushing through the day? How can I celebrate this day as the one that the Lord has made?”

It’s OK to ask daily and on repeat. I will be this fall.

Look at the picture of the moon behind the church once more. Be amazed. This is God’s creation. God created fall. God created YOU. You are an amazing creation. Embrace it this fall and embrace this season of your life.

For the opportunity to celebrate everything fall, I am very grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Holy God – Thank you for this change of season and an opportunity to reflect upon what this season means for me. For my relationship with You. And my relationships with those around me. Encourage me to pause daily and keep rooted in You. Amen.

Looking for a bit of daily inspiration? Check out my daily affirmation posts on Facebook (Dianne Deaton Vielhuber and Simple Words of Faith) or on Instagram (diannedeatonvielhuber.)

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