“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it…” (Psalm 24:1, NRSV)
Seldom has there been a more oft-repeated, self-evident phrase than the one I am about to utter. Despite that, I press on…
“FALL IS MY FAVORITE SEASON!”
If it were not for the fact that our Fort Collins, CO sky is currently filled with smoke and ash particulates from a very nearby wildfire, Joan and I would be outside all day every day drinking in the autumnal splendor.
Here, for your viewing pleasure, are just a few examples of some of God’s best handiwork:
As we were out walking with the dogs and admiring the brilliant splashes of color the other day, I wondered if there were perhaps an Abiding Truth or Profound Life Lesson lurking there among the red and gold leaves.
And lo and behold, it didn’t take long at all to find one.
Isn’t it interesting, I thought, that trees wait until the very last moment of their seasonal “lives” to put on their brightest, most brilliant displays? As we all know, in a few short weeks, all of those gorgeous leaves will be lying on our lawns, choking our grass, and demanding to be swept up and discarded.
Just in time for the icy cold “death” of winter to descend.
And yet, through the intricate genius of our Creator, the last hurrah of these trees’ lives is their best. Their closing act is when they pull out all the stops… bursting forth with beauty… showering blessings on all those who chance into their orbit.
Is it possible that this just might be a lesson for we humans who happen to be enjoying the autumn of our earthly lives? Might we also be designed to make our last act our best act?
Just something to ponder…
Abundant blessings;
Several years ago, I was chatting with an older person in our church. I innocently asked, “In which ministry do you serve?” The reply was, “I’m retired. I don’t serve.” Without hesitating, I remarked, “I didn’t realize we could retire from serving God.”
You are exactly right! Ministry is something we can never retire from!
Thank you for the wise word 🙏🏻
You are welcome! By the way, I ordered “A New Jerusalem” from Amazon today. Can’t wait!
Russ, I’m planning on adding a few Guest Bloggers, and would love to have you participate. This can be a new piece or a reposting of one you’ve already written and feel strongly about. The only parameter is that it more-or-less fit into my “power of Story” theme. What do you think?
I am honored and eager! Thanks for thinking of me.
Delighted to hear that, Russ! Please feel free to suggest a possible guest post anytime.
Very powerful piece! And I agree! Since I’m turning 50 in a few months, my goal is to make the rest of my life the best of my life. I think we all do after we reach a certain age. Loved this read!
Yes, a good thought to ponder. I know I for one am having a lot of fun in this season. 😄
(P.S. In Michigan often the sky is the most spectacular at the end of the day, too.)