Seasons...

The changing colors of autumn are one of my two favorite seasons of the year. Each one brings with it the revelation of the heart of God: His love for His creation.

His expression of fall color is beautifully displayed when the temperature drops and then leaves turn so vibrant. What strong smells this season brings along with the insatiable desire to jump in a pile of leaves.

I remember when we lived on 102 ares in Alden, NY, and we had these ginormous Maple trees that dropped so many colors. We could make a daily path through orange, red and yellow leaves from the road to the house. That would go on for several weeks...ah, memories are something that no one can take from you. I only wish I'd had my camera back then.

Here in Texas, tho, the leaves don't turn too much...there are some maples here and there, but for the most part, they like a different climate. And even when it does get colder, we don't have the spectacular show of His beauty like in the northern climates. Perhaps that's to encourage those who must endure such harsh winters; one last sprinkling of color to revel in before everything dies off.

But spring does come. Those things that have died come back alive, colorful and full of fragrance.

Reminds me of the Scripture I read this morning from Psalms 65:6-13

"You formed the mountains by your power

and armed yourself with mighty strength.

[7] You quieted the raging oceans

with their pounding waves

and silenced the shouting of the nations.

[8] Those who live at the ends of the earth

stand in awe of your wonders.

From where the sun rises to where it sets,

you inspire shouts of joy.

[9] You take care of the earth and water it,

making it rich and fertile.

The rivers of God will not run dry;

they provide a bountiful harvest of grain,

for you have ordered it so.

[10] You drench the plowed ground with rain,

melting the clods and leveling the ridges.

You soften the earth with showers

and bless its abundant crops.

[11] You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;

even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.

[12] The wilderness becomes a lush pasture,

and the hillsides blossom with joy.

[13] The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep,

and the valleys are carpeted with grain.

They all shout and sing for joy!"

I love words like drench, crown, overflow, mighty strength, quieted raging oceans, pounding waves, leveling ridges...lush pasture, blossom, shout and sing for joy. Makes me wanna go out and jump in a pile of freshly fallen leaves and then lay there and watch the clouds go by and dream of the day when He returns on that white horse and we go home.

In the meantime, I'll just rest and breathe in fall; embrace all the changes He's working in me.

He is my stronghold. My sure foundation when the storms blow; yet I am not like the leaves. He keeps me safe and secure.

Photos by Daune @ San Pedro Park 10/06/08