Lessons That Autumn Offers

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

(Bits and pieces of this article are from one I wrote for our homeschooling coop newspaper in 2020. I did add some to it and tweak it here and there before I published it for you today. )

I absolutely love this time of year, and where I live the leaves are just now really starting to change and show off their beauty. The cool crisp air makes my soul come alive, and I feel a surge of energy and enthusiasm for the outdoors. Getting a break from the heat and humidity is much anticipated after a muggy Tennessee summer. One of my favorite outdoor activities is to sit out by a campfire with family and friends on a chilly evening. Don’t judge me too harshly for what I am about to tell you, but I am also one who enjoys all the smells and recipes that involve pumpkin. I may or may not be one who falls into the category of a “pumpkin spice fanatic“. I get excited to go to the grocery store and see the new reveals of the seasonal products. I am a sucker to try them all. My sister actually had a shirt made for me that said, “I run on Jesus and Pumpkin Spice”. There is a lot of truth to that during the fall months.

• 

There are a few lessons that can be learned by embracing what fall has to offer. Number one, God is an amazing artist. The bursting colors of the leaves against the vivid blue sky can just leave me in awe and wonder. I could admire them for hours when they are just doing what God created them to do. The same goes for our lives. When we quit trying to fill roles that we were not meant to fill, and seek to live out our purpose in God’s plan, we too can embrace the beauty of the season we are in. My mom once told me that instead of seeking out how to be a better wife, mother, daughter, and friend; just seek on how to be a better Christian and the rest will come. That really left an impression on my heart. We tend over complicate and put so much pressure on ourselves to be somebody we weren’t created to be.

Secondly, fall reminds us that just like the leaves falling from the trees, it is okay to let go. Letting go is actually a step that helps propel you forward. Oh, how hard this seems to be for many of us. We cling on so tightly to burdens we were never meant to carry. Those burdens become heavy, and keep us stuck and distracted. In order to grow and flourish, we must let go and let God. This is in no way an easy task to do. It is one thing to say we trust him, but another to actually put action behind those words. Letting go can apply to different aspects of our lives. It could be emotions that we have been harboring against other individuals or situations. We may need to simplify our schedule, so our lives aren’t so chaotic with “to do” lists . Busy doesn’t always equate success or productivity. Whatever it may be, the tighter we hold on to them, the more negative effect it will have on us, sinking us further into a muddy pit. I’ll be honest, there are times when prayer just doesn’t feel like enough and it takes some type of visual action to help you truly release your burden into God’s hands. Maybe it is writing it down on paper, or raising your hands as if to hand it over to God and speaking it out loud. Different techniques work for different people. Regardless of what may help you, just know when you take time to pray, God does hear you.

Lastly, I think we can all agree that this season brings about an attitude of gratitude. We tend to pause and spend more time appreciating our blessings, especially in the month of November. These months can bring about a busier schedule, but it would do us all good to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the present moment. Autumn is a great time to spend a little less time behind a screen, and get outside. We live in a beautiful part of the country. Getting out in nature this time of year, brings about a much needed peace. When you get out in His creation, and take time to notice your surroundings, you will be amazed at how it all points back to him.

Keep moving forward,

Hayley W