Again, Autumn

I go back through all my old blog posts about autumn, and find they all ring true – “Autumn has that affect on me; it reminds me of the past and feels like coming home. I am savouring each moment as both the nostalgia and newness of life remind me that God has all things in His hand.”

I’m readying myself for when this autumn becomes real. For when winter turns the mornings cool and night starts early.

I’m readying myself, not out of dread or fear. More out of an appreciation at the difference in seasons. I know many who struggle with winter; less warmth, less time. It can be discouraging to look out the window when all is grey and bare.

But winter is a fact. The cooler seasons will happen whether or not we are prepared. And so I await the difference eagerly. The change of seasons can be an opportunity to awaken to what God is doing in our lives. I don’t want to pass through the seasons without paying attention to the transition.

On the drive to work I have grown appreciative of some purple flowers that line part of the road. They won’t be there for much longer, but I am looking forward to discovering some other joy. There is beauty in every season, and the more I thank God for it, the more I see.

In the coming months there will be times when waking up in the morning will be difficult, yes. Getting ready for work and walking to and from my car will no doubt have moments that I will want to rush through as quickly as possible. But there will also be times when I see the sunset and it will contain the most beautiful pinks and oranges. There will be times when I am warm and cosy inside while I hear the wind blowing outside. There will be many, many cups of tea.

And God knows how we feel. He knows the highs and lows that each season brings, both in the natural world and in our hearts. He has walked through them too.

I am looking forward to curling up in my armchair with a blanket and a book. There is something delightful in the outside world pushing us indoors, telling us to stop working. While there will still be things to do… not as much can be done. We have a barrier in daylight hours and temperatures.

Our year is neatly bundled up into parcels of organised change. I’m not afraid of the one ahead of us; I think it will be good. For God has all things in His hand… what can I fear?

Sarah xx

Autumn always feels the same / or / I always feel the same in autumn / stepping out into the evening is a swirling of loneliness / not the hopeless kind / the matter-of-fact kind / this does not scare me anymore / it’s like returning to an old friend / and I am unafraid