Autumn, the third season of the year, between summer and winter.
Can you see it? The bold hues of yellow, orange, and red, painting the mountains or adding a splash of color to the city. Can you feel it? The days grow shorter and cooler. Can you smell it? Mmm, the deliciousness of a warm apple pie coming out of the oven. Can you taste it? It’s fall, y’all. So happy, pumpkin spice everything. Can you hear it? The voices of children laughing and people praising God and giving thanks for a bountiful harvest.
Growing up in Pennsylvania, I was able to experience the fall season with all my senses. Living in Florida, these past thiry-five years, well, let’s just say, the experience of autumn is slightly different but still so beautiful.
However, there is another type of autumn — one that we all, God-willing, will experience. One that may not be full of color, deliciousness, or praise. One that I knew would come but seemed so far away during my spring and summer. Yes, friends, I have entered this new season of life: the autumn of life.
And, with it, came a multitude of different sense experiences including sadness, loss, anxiety, fear, change, and hope. Like autumn in Florida, everything these past few years has come and gone so quickly. The pandemic, my Mom (and best friend) returning home to our heavenly Father, and my Dad (my life-long superhero) has been in the hospital three times in seven months – he is aging and in his winter season of life. I’m becoming an empty-nester, as my oldest child married and moved to Tennessee with her husband. Dear friends have moved away, co-workers have passed away, and I have retired from a thiry-five year career.
Can you relate? Perhaps you are experiencing the autumn of your life or know someone who is.
As I write this devotional, I’m reminded of a few of my favorite scriptures. It’s amazing that on the “coldest” of days, I find myself sitting in the quiet, praying, and somehow these verses show up in my readings. It’s as if God was sitting across from me, at my kitchen table, and we were having a conversation. Our God is truly an awesome God.
For when you “think” autumn has no color: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8 NKJV).
For when autumn “feels” more like winter: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
For when you try to “catch” all the falling leaves: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
Thank you, Lord, for your strength to help open my eyes to accepting change, taking time to breathe, and finding a new purpose as I navigate, with You, these next two seasons of life.
So, friends, let’s look at the autumn of life as we do the actual season of autumn. Embrace the beauty, change, and gifts of every season life has to offer, knowing He is with us every step of the journey. I welcome, and challenge you to welcome, the changes that come with the autumn of Life.
Take a moment to breathe the fresh air and reflect on your life’s journey thus far. As leaves fall, remember change is natural and inevitable. Harvest the fruits of your labor.
And be thankful for the bold and beautiful colors God has bestowed upon you this season.
Seasons change and praise the Lord that He gives strength for His people to soar like eagles Thank you for the wonderful reminder!
Yes, Grace, it’s amazing the strength only God can provide. Sometimes you don’t realize it until after a certain situation or season has passed, but when you look back and wonder “how did I do that?”. God bless.
Thank you so much for this beautiful metaphor of the seasons of life. Just like the seasons of the year, each has new beginnings and endings, but it does seem like the closer autumn gets, the more frequent the endings become. I have to remind myself, though with each ending is also a beginning. I’m not yet in the autumn of life, but after reading this, I think I may be in the dog days of summer. That makes me smile. Sometimes something you read just really lands solidly and today’s reflection is definitely that for me. But in a really good way. A way that encourages me and helps me to shift my perspective to see whatever is good, I will dwell on those things. Thank you.
I’m so happy the reflection encourages you. Yes, the “endings” can lead to new “beginnings” which is part of the beauty in this “circle of life”. Being able to see, identify, or at least acknowledge something good makes all the difference. Thank you for sharing, Jennifer. Have a blessed day.
Thank you for this beautiful and timely devotion! We have so much in common. Your message ministers and resonates with my soul right now. Fall is my favorite season, yet the life changes and experiences that come with it can leave me feeling a bit rudderless. Thank you so much! God bless
My Dad was in the Navy many years ago and understands the importance of that rudder on the ship. I can relate with your feeling a bit “rudderless”. All I can say is thank goodness He is the “rudder” steering all of us “passing ships”. You’re welcome and thank you for sharing, Tracy. Keep the Faith.