My yearly plea to Tom… “Please, please, leave the leaves on the ground as long as possible,” I beg every fall as they begin to pile up. And he does try, but that is as difficult for him to do as it is for me to see them carted away.
Walking barefoot in the leaves must be a hangover from childhood. Carefree times before the abuse. see here Memories of colorful leaves crackling underfoot make me happy. There’s a quiet calm that settles me. “Every leaf speaks bliss to me/ fluttering from the autumn tree.” Emily Bronte
Only a few months ago, every tree was dressed in green… then just as quickly, they were fashioned in bright colors. Today, they stand naked. I want to tip-toe into this season, accepting the changes, while fully living in the Now.
I want to…
I can see my Granny, with a long-ago look, staring out her window, watching trees undress right in front of her. “This time of year makes me sad,” she mourned, “It means winter is coming.”
“Oh Granny, winter is coming, but then spring comes,” my fourteen year wisdom advised. I had no idea then where she was in her season of life.
Today I understand.
While I’m tugging to embrace this season of fall a bit longer, walking in the leaves, holding sweet memories of my brothers’ last months, the hygienist in my dentist office this week had a beautiful Christmas scene on the massive screen right in front of me. “I hope you don’t mind Christmas music this early,” she smiled.
No, of course, I don’t mind. I love Christmas music; I love Christmas but please don’t rush me into a new season. I want to stay here for the Now.
Embrace the current season of your life… Gabrielle Blair
Weather seasons…come… they go, they change. Earth has seasons because our planet’s axis of rotation is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees relative to our orbital plane, that is, the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun. (earth.sky.org) There are other factors, but this is the simple reason we have spring, summer, fall and winter.
Seasons of life… appointed times… come, they go, they change. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
My Pollyanna nature has always accepted change, even expecting the “something wonderful around the next corner. I have been content to settle into the seasons of life as they came: with babies, the teen years, the transition into an empty nest, medical issues, sadness in saying goodbyes all over the world…
… but this season is different.
My tilt is off…
Perhaps it is the loss of two younger brothers this summer; perhaps it is the toll of Tom’s constant back pain. Missing ministry as we loved. The world chaos affects me deeply.
Or maybe it is the realization winter is coming.
“Where is the verse that says ‘be ready in season and out of season to give a reason for the hope within you’?” I asked Tom as we were driving home a few days ago. He grinned and said, “I think you have two different verses going on in that pretty head of yours.” (But in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have: I Peter 3:15 and Proclaim/share the Word, be prepared in season and out of season… 2 Timothy 4:2)
But do I have them mixed up? I think they fit together perfectly! Being ready to press on with a word of hope… no matter the season you find yourself.
Please don’t invite me into the next season… not yet. I want to tread slowly among these leaves of today’s memories…
“Be aware of what season you are in and give yourself the grace to be there.” — Kristen Dalton
We are all here… today…
… in a season. But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, You are my God. My seasons are in Your hands…(Psalm 31:14,15).
Yes, Christmas is coming! With its message of hope and peace to the world. How beautiful to enter this season!
a journey to now 
I well remember the beauty of fall in East Tennessee. We sometimes have a very little of that in the Houston, Texas area, and get very excited about whatever little bit we get! Driving down a road when we were there to find a home before our move, I looked back, and the leaves were in a whirlwind effect behind the car. Oh how gorgeous!! Thank you, Lord, for our short stay in that part of your beautiful world.
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And we are thankful to have been a small part of your short stay. I pray all is well. Looking forward to your Christmas note.
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I wish we could kick up the leaves in my yard. Fall is my favorite season! The colors this year have been magnificent. Nothing shy of God-glorifying! Thanks for the sweet reminder to cherish every season. Love you!
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The pictures you sent are wonderful. We have not had the glorious colors as you. Thanks for your response.
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Love everything about this beautiful reminder!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful words if wisdom!
💗 Lori Dean 💗
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Thank you, Lori. thank you for loving Sheryl so well!
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Your posts always “leaves” me with a smile & memories of your past is so much like mine
Please know that you are worthy of every good & perfect thing of this world & so so much more for our next life‼️👏😘🥰🙏🏻🎉🍁🍂🌲
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Thank you always for your response. You make me smile!
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Yes Barb I love the leaves and their beauty even though much work to get them put away. Our oak and hickory hard wood leaves have to be gotten up and the ground is so coved this year with the hickory nuts and fun to watch the squirrels have so much fun burying them. This year is a bumper crop.
I had a heart attack 1 month ago today and having a hard time with what has become my new normal of strength and energy. Can only do one thing in the morning (grocery shop, etc.) and then too tired to do much else rest of the day.
Yes, as I get older time seems to fly by so quickly but thankful for the little things in life more now than ever before. We can look back and see what God has done in our lives and the short time I believe we have left in this earth and pray more fervently for the souls of men women boys and girls to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus. I want so badly for others to know Him like I know him in that sweet relationship that comforts my soul in the good times as well as the hard times of this life. I just want to say, “0h what a Savior” want you let Him come in and feel His sweet spirit and give you peace and joy no matter the circumstances all around us.
God is the great Physician, the one who made me, knows how to mend me, His healing touch restores my body, soul, and spirit. His schedule is never too full to listen to my prayers for myself and others. His diagnosis is always accurate, His treatment is wise and Gentle and His results …..Amazing
I love you and Tom so very much and treasure our friendship and memories of the short time we had together but knowing of our lives one day for eternity as we will enjoy the many treasures of our Heavenly Home
OH WHAT A SAVIOR. Glenda
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“Be aware of what season you are in and give yourself the grace to be there.”
These are exactly my thoughts lately, as I started into my seventies…
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Thanks for response. Helps my status with WordPress! Life is difficult these days! Hugs
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