There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens – Ecclesiastes 3:1
How could it be the middle of September? I see some trees are changing color, and already there are leaves covering the sidewalk and front steps. My garden is showing signs of distress. The black-eyed Susans are drying up, the hosta leaves are limp and yellowing, and the lilies are dried leaves and stalks, which once held vibrant orange flowers.
Fall. A time to look back on what we achieved this summer. The blessings we enjoyed. The change of seasons. This year, I get to look back on the unexpected issues of my spine gone haywire that grounded me for the majority of the summer.
While I love the color and coolness of the fall season, Fall seems to be the hardest change for me because it means we go from the color and vibrancy of summer to bare trees, bare ground, and flowerlessness (did I just invent a new word?).
With the change of season, we also have the changes in the season of our lives and in the world around us. As we clear out our gardens and rake the leaves, this change from summer to fall can be a reminder to check our spiritual life.
What do I need to rake away and uproot so that I can open up space for changes, growth, and rebirth in my spiritual life? Then, just like the bulbs and plants that need to rest before they can bloom again in the spring, I, too, can spiritually bloom.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the blessings and abundance of the summer. Help me to let go of the things that are dried up, useless, and weighing me down so that I may continue to grow in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen
