Rain has returned to Oregon—a sure sign, along with those bright leaves, that autumn has arrived. Summer was hot and dry, lasting well past its official end date. I welcome the rain, washing the dust from the air, dousing the forest fires, soaking into the thirsty earth. We need both the sunshine and the rain for life to flourish. It’s all part of God’s good plan.
Long ago, when most people were farmers, their lives were ruled by the seasons. For most of us that has changed. Still, maybe we can use the seasons in a different way. What changes can we make as autumn takes hold? For me, it means thinking ahead to the holiday. Who will we invite for Thanksgiving this year? What Christmas gifts can I make now so that I have time to mail them to faraway family members? It may mean decluttering so the home is more welcoming for indoor time. If you have kids at home, perhaps it is a time to replenish art supplies or set up a study area for homework. (Or, if homeschooling, evaluate how your space could be more effectively used.)
As we head toward the holidays, it is also a good time to consider priorities. What is most important to us in the season ahead? How can we add a stronger spiritual emphasis to our days and weeks?
Perhaps we could make an Advent Calendar (with the kids’ help) or find a new Advent devotional for December. Or keep a family thankfulness journal through November. Be sure to include younger family members, who could dictate messages or draw pictures of what they are grateful for, if they are not able to write. Kids might compose poems of praise, perhaps using a Psalm for a pattern. (Adults can, too!) Press colorful autumn leaves and use them to add decorations to the poems. Or take photographs and make a thankfulness collage—either on cardboard or virtually.
Autumn is a beautiful season. Make the most of it!
