In just over a week, my absolute favorite season will officially be here. Autumn. Fall. Harvest-time.
I have always loved autumn, and for a variety of reasons. For starters, school begins right before autumn, so I’ve always associated the season with fresh starts, new beginnings, and possibilities. Secondly, autumn is a season where we actually see and experience change, as the colors in nature transition from green to gold to red to brown, and the leaves make their way to the ground, leaving the trees barren by the end of November. The sight of change reminds me that nothing stays the same forever and to make the most of every moment I’ve been granted. Thirdly, autumn is when I celebrate my birthday, another ‘fresh start’ I’ve been blessed to get every year for almost 30 years. And lastly, autumn ushers in a time of comfort and coziness as we end our time at the lake and nestle back into full-time life at the ranch. This means catching up with family and friends we missed during the summer season, physically going back to church and settling into community, as well as busting out the slow cooker and making the very best of comfort foods that leave the house smelling divine. So. good.
As autumn approaches this year, I’m looking forward to backyard bonfires; pumpkin-everything (you name it, I love it); cornstalks outlining our entryway; spicy-scented candles; warm blankets and books to get lost in on Sunday afternoons; a glass of red wine sipped in the cool, crisp air; football and movies in the home theater; the return of Downton Abbey; and the blank pages of a new journal to record my hopes, dreams, prayers and praises for the things God is working out in this season. I’m excited for celebrations, including friends’ birthdays, my birthday, our annual Fall Ball, and of course, the holidays. Both Halloween and Thanksgiving are both fun days in this household! And I absolutely cannot wait to experience the Influence Conference for the very first time. I am thrilled to be attending and am anticipating a wonderful opportunity to connect, grow, learn, and worship with other women. It will be a great way to begin my 30th year here on earth, a new chapter that I hope will be filled with God’s goodness, favor, and wonders.
I feel this autumn season will be unlike any other. I sense good things are in store and that there is much to be excited about and enjoy to the fullest extent possible. I hope to make the most of these days to come and that you will too. May we all reap a harvest of blessing in this season!
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