FALL

The fall decor is up, the imitation fire is on, the signage THANKFUL is in full view and the fall folage is spread throughout. It marks the beginning of the change of season everyone, especially those of us who have barely survived the AZ summer, look forward to. Sunday football, apple caramel cupcakes, pumpkins, fall scented candles throughout the house, Christmas baking, and maybe, just maybe, we can open our windows for a cool breeze to lull us to sleep. It is also when the leaves change to the infamous colors of yellows, burnt oranges and, reds, just before they drop. Yes, fall is here.. For some, change is a welcome friend, especially through a recently difficult season. For others, it is the hope of new beginnings, like weddings, grand babies, seeing family, and all the holiday traditions. But for me, it is a reminder of a season of thankfulness. We almost lost Jake in a car accident but he is alive and doing well. I had a scare with possible breast cancer but so far it is negative. What God is showing me is to be thankful everyday, to have a heart of gratitude, for both the good times and the sad times. How about you? What are you thankful for? Sometimes, when life can be overwhelming, it is hard to be genuinely thankful. So, I started writing down everyday what I was grateful for. It was an exercise I did with Jake when he first had the accident. He would sometimes fall into a depression and wonder what good could come out of this tragedy. And every week I would read to him all the changes of healing that had begun…until he finally was able to go back to his own home. In the book of Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 it writes that there are different seasons in life, like “ a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance”…but whatever the season, it will eventually change…just like fall. And with that change is HOPE. For those who follow Jesus our HOPE is still to come, our eternal, heavenly home with Him. If you are not a follower of Jesus, what is your HOPE? There is still time to accept Jesus and start your walk with Him. Let’s begin this change of season with a thankful heart, with gratitude for all that God has given us, no matter the circumstances. So, turn on the fake fireplace, light the pumpkin spice candle, and put on your favorite football teams jersey…and watch the leaves change colors…it’s time for a new season…fall.