The Majesty of Autumn

 

It is officially Autumn in New England. Autumn brings a change in the air; warm days and cooler nights.  The treasures of harvest time bring feelings of excitement and gratefulness.  The most beautiful wave of color is beginning to surround us as summer comes to an end. Locals and people from all over the world come to New England to see the colorful countryside brought on by a large variety of trees but notably the maple. One maple tree by itself can display a gorgeous array of color from green to yellow to fluorescent orange and reds.

In the past few years I have intentionally tried to take notice of and enjoy all the little things. I refuse to hit the crazy squirrel trying to cross the road. I purposefully slow down to look for turkeys and deer even if the person behind me hits their horn. I encourage you too to not miss the sights and sounds  and smells all around us. We are in too much of a rush, too glued to electronics, too tired trying to multi-task and we are missing out on the simple joys of LIFE!

My family walks to a nearby stream where there are approximately 100 ducks ( the neighbors feed them) but they will be migrating soon. My hummingbirds have already taken flight and butterflies will leave also. How do they know where to go and when? Kids today don’t even think about it because there is no interest in what is happening in their own backyards. There is so much to learn from nature but we and our children are losing something precious – the gift of imagination and wonder.

Enjoy the beauty of the autumn colors while walking or driving or even when stuck in traffic .  No matter how bad the day or whatever the season we can choose to see and enjoy God’s beauty. A big buzz word we hear is mind-fullness but it really means purposefully using our senses to lift our heads out of the mundane and refresh our souls. Take time to smell the last rose, eat a fresh picked apple and take a walk in the park. Watch as the birds form a V pattern on their migration to warmer areas. Our hearts can be soothed in knowing that God is providing for them and will take care of our needs too. A reminder that we shouldn’t worry about the little things.

… look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two. 7 Nobody has to tell it what to do. 8 All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions. Prov 6:6-8 (MSG)

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ²⁶  Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Matt. 6:25-26 ESV

Majesty is not a word we commonly use unless referring to the British monarchy. Majesty is the quality of being beautiful, dignified and impressive. How else can you describe a mountainside splashed in all the brilliant colors of a 152 count Crayola box -the largest assortment they make. It is awesome, breath taking and inspiring. The old hymn “How Great Thou Art” comes to my mind with the phrase ,”then sings my soul”. My wish for you in this season is to slow down and enjoy His beautiful masterpiece.