Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. It’s the crispness in the air, and the way the colors look. The sun hitting the rainy cloud just right creates the most magnificent blue color. I love the reds, orange, yellows, and browns against that shine. It makes the trees look like they are glowing. I love hearing the cold wind blow through the trees and watching the sky rain down colorful leaves on morning walks. This year as we are preparing for this season, why not be intentional about soaking up every bit of it that we can.
Time for Harvest
This year has been one of the most challenging years for everyone. It seems that this year has either beat people up financially, emotionally, spiritually or all three of those. In scripture, it talks about how there is a season for everything. A time to plan, and a time to harvest. Even though it might not seem like there is much to harvest from this year, what are the areas you can look back on where you have grown?
Time for Change
My favorite part about fall is watching the leaves turn. It’s a signal for change is coming, and newness is on the way. A year from now, what are the things you would like to celebrate? This is the time to write up big dreams. If money were not a factor, and you could do anything, what are ten things you would do right now? Look at those and see if any of those are possible. Then you get to make a plan!
Time for Chapters Closing
You know when you get to the end of a book and the sadness you feel to longer have the connection with that world, and it’s people? I get that sometimes, especially if it is an excellent book or Netflix series. I want to keep the story going, but sometimes the book just ends. It was a great time, but now it’s time for something new. We need to do this in our lives as well. What chapters do you need to close? Maybe it’s a struggle you have been dealing with over and over again internally; you finally need to release to God. Perhaps there is forgiveness that needs to happen so you can move forward. Take some time outside enjoying the last bits of the remainder of light and warmth and write down things you need to let go of.
Time for Family
I think this year, more than ever, we need to celebrate. Fall is an excellent time for gatherings, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and meeting for coffee. Take a look at your calendar and find ways to do more things with your family intentionally this season. Get outdoors if you can. Enjoy the leaves changing. Take a drive. Take a hike. Just do it together with the people you love.
Time for Gratitude
Start a gratitude journal in the evenings, even if it is just on your phone! Find three things you can be thankful for in this season.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song, I praise him. Psalm 28:7
Where can you be thankful for God as your strength and shield? Make a song list of songs that make you grateful and sing praises to him in the car as you head to work or school. IF:Gathering has a Fall Spotify List I have been listening to on my way to work. What are the sounds you need to hear this season that lifts your heart to praise the one that made it?
Can you think of other ways to enjoy this Fall Season?
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