Well, it’s here. That time of year that brings mixed emotions for many of us; definitely for me. The flowers are long past their peak. The days are short. The landscape lacks color as the bleak and drab neutral colors invade our view. The chickens all but stop earning their keep. The mower has been put away and hibernation feels like the next logical step. UGH!
A much too busy schedule recently has delayed many of my fall chores. Yesterday I finally determined to tuck my flowers in for the winter. It was a strange thing as several of them actually have fresh colorful blooms. But I was reminded that very often we’re called to do things that don’t make sense. So I cut everything back and prepared to place fresh pine needles in a few days. Sometimes we just need to be obedient.
As I sat on the porch considering what the next few months might hold for me, I found a sense of undescribable peace. What a beautiful opportunity. I’ll be able to spend more time quietly in communication with the One who knows me best. I’ll certainly be curled up in a warm, fuzzy blanket. The crisp air outside will cause everything to stop. Many things will even die. The end of November and the month of December will be filled with loud gatherings and quiet mornings. January will be welcomed by those wanting a reprieve from all of the busyness. February (although the shortest month on the calendar) generally seems to drag on into oblivion. But could there be a more perfect time to really do some self-examination? What could that look like?
I’m no different than anyone else. I need accountability. My prayer partners will be hearing about this. Instead of binge-watching television (although each winter there’s at least one marathon viewing of all things Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and maybe James Bond) I should select a book of the Bible and saturate my mind with it; over and over. Mine the depths for things I’ve never seen before. Challenge my thinking. Open the journals back up and pour over years past to see the faithfulness and goodness of my great, big God. Instead of reading anything new I’ll first immerse myself in some of the classics (starting with The Screwtape Letters). I’m getting excited just typing these words!
If God created seasons that cause nature to pause (even die) there’s probably countless treasures for us to uncover. Instead of running on the hamster wheel for another season, let’s stop. Be still. Fill ourselves back up with Him. Discover Him all over again for the first time. By the time spring rolls around, we’ll be like new creations emerging from a long winter nap.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 ~ He has made everything beautiful in its time.