The Senses of the Season

     Psalm 139:14      I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

God has created us in such a unique way but we take so many things for granted everyday. Our brains hold powerful memeories of our favorite things by using our five senses. Autumn is full of good things to tantalize them all. Imagine how much you would miss without all five senses.

THE SENSE OF SIGHT

Magnificient bright color is everywhere. Some garden flowers are still blooming while others will rest until Spring. Leaves change and burst forth in a majestic scene before us. We can watch as local farmers are busy gathering the harvest. Around New England we may see colorful cranberry bogs, fields of orange pumpkins or trees full of red apples ready to pick.  Children playfully jump in leaf piles.

The animals are busy hunting and gathering too.  While colorful turkeys strut their stuff other birds are migrating south. There is so much to SEE if we take time to look.

THE SENSE OF HEARING

This sense is not appreciated enough until it is lost.  You have to slow down to enjoy the crunch of a good crisp apple or to hear the leaves rustle in the tress and under your feet.  Stop to hear the birds in your back yard and make note of the ones that are missing! The children are back in school up the street and I can hear them playing at recess.  Can you imagine the noise of the tractor and people riding it?

THE SENSE OF TASTE

Many of my friends love warm pumpkin lattes and the smell of the spice. The joy of harvest brings many good seasonal things to eat and drink.  Apple everything, from cider to pies – I am drooling as I write. In my home we tend to turn away from outdoor grilling to indoor baking. The menu changes from cold salads to warm savory soups and stews.  God gave us five different kinds of taste; sweet, savory, salty, sour and bitter. That is how we enjoy such variety.

THE SENSE OF SMELL

The sense of smell can affect our mood, how we taste food and it can warn us of danger.  The ability to smell triggers our appetite and vice versa when we don’t feel well, we usually aren’t hungry. Just for fun, close your eyes again and picture each item I mention:  Fresh brewed coffee, popcorn popping, chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven, a campfire and a skunk.  Haha.

THE SENSE OF TOUCH

As the fall air  gets cool and crisp and its time for warm cozy sweaters and flannel shirts. Feel the difference between a smooth apple and a bumpy pumpkin. I love a hayride but the hay is scratchy and makes me sneeze.  When petting animals at a farm we can feel the difference between duck feathers or sheeps’ wool.  God is so creative.

Our culture is busy and constantly moving but we have to stop to enjoy life.  Don’t miss the joy of the season.  I hope this little “ode to our 5 senses” causes you to pause and reflect on the beauty and good things around us.  Take time to praise God for all His good gifts around us.