“I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1
Cinnamon, pumpkin, cloves, nutmeg, sweaters, brisk walks, colors, crunchy leaves, fireplace light, cozy throws. Fall. Maybe this is not your dream season. Living in the tropics all year long with one pleasant, hot season creates a longing in me for change, crispness, autumn.
We made an unexpected trip to the south in mid-October and I was hoping for the explosion of color seen from the airplane window. My eyes were peeled ready to see a few trees declaring their glory. We were there too early. There were few attempting to change their wardrobe. I did find some early bird leaves and carried them back to paradise to lay in my thanksgiving bowl.
The next morning, crumpled, curled crinkled leaves were adjusting to humidity and heat. Their glory was not as it had been just hours earlier.
A leafy reminder that I live in the always-ready-to-pull-me-down brokenness of daily life. I can easily be tempted by a hasty word, a hurtful glance, a heated discussion. My choice can lead me to wilt, crumble, curl up. Even in the wounded or crinkling of life, there is still hope to declare.
So pause,
breathe,
give thanks.
Living by faith, abiding in The Branch, we are connected and can give a response for every season, every reality. What is in me will show through. May the Fruit of the Spirit bring a sweet aroma, a splash of His beauty, the colors of grace.