The Brilliance of Fall

Fall is in full swing here in the Buckeye State. The trees have changed their colors and are brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange. Some trees have begun to shed their leaves and at times there is a slight nip in the air. As I grow older I have begun to appreciate fall more and more. As a child, I dreaded the changing of seasons. Fall meant school was back in session, the fair was over and done and winter was just around the corner. Fall meant no more trips or vacations until spring and it meant more days inside. Now that I am adult all the reasons I listed above as to why I didn't like fall are now the reasons I enjoy it so.

Fall for me now means that the earth is shedding the old to make way for the new. The trees shed their leaves so that they can grow new in spring. The world slows down and prepares for a season of rest and so do we. Fall marks the beginning of upcoming holidays in which we get to enjoy the company of our friends and families. It gives us a change to rest before another busy spring and summer. Fall reminds us that every good thing must come to an end but there are better things to come.

As an adult I am also to see how God works in the fall season. The Bible says "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17 Fall is the perfect reminder of that. We must first shed our old leaves if you will and be washed in the whiteness of God's cleaning love before we can grow and bloom into something beautiful. He works in each of us to make us something amazing and will give glory to Him. I know I need that reminder to give up my self and trust in Him to provide for me and my needs. I need to allow Him to work in me.

So next time you are driving down the road and see the beautiful colors of fall think of God's love and His renewing spirit.