A couple of weeks ago, I took my dogs for a walk at one of my favorite parks. It was a Saturday afternoon and the temperature felt like a thousand degrees in the shade, with a miserable dose of drippy humidity. The park was packed with people, which made it feel even hotter. I kept the dogs on the grass so they wouldn’t scorch their paws and dreamed of hoodie weather.
On days like these, autumn seems so far away. I long for that chill in the air, sweatpants, hot coffee. But who can imagine those days when the temperature is pushing 100 degrees?
We finished our walk, and as the dogs and I stood in line waiting for a cool drink , I saw a single leaf fall to the ground. “It’s coming!” I wanted to shout aloud!
Now, as the temperatures are a bit milder, the countdown to autumn has begun. I remember running and jumping into those huge leaf piles, landing right in the middle of their freshly raked dampness. I love sipping hot cocoa on my favorite swing on a cool rainy morning, carving pumpkins, and watching the trees explode in bright orange and yellow. From down the street, I can always spot our front yard tree radiating orange. I know that spring is the season of new life, but for me, autumn makes everything feel alive and fresh. It reminds me that God never changes, but He has the power to help me make the longed-for changes and transformations in my life.
God wants to paint a fresh scene in your life and mine, just as He does every autumn when the leaves transform and change. This makes me think of a favorite verse, Isaiah
43:18-19. God loves doing new things, and autumn is a beautiful reminder of that truth.
Are there situations in your life that seem impossible right now? Do you feel stuck? A new season is coming, and every day is brand new with God. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” (ESV)
It’s almost here! So, take a deep breath and snuggle into that warm hoodie. Close your eyes and envision a giant leaf pile waiting for you and run with abandon into this new season. You can jump into it, knowing that your Creator is right there with you. Greatness and beauty are waiting. Let’s go!
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Lisa Bain Ministries