
Today we welcome the advent of Fall. It is the day when the length of time is equally divided between light and dark and the daylight will continue to shorten until the first day of winter when the order will be reversed.
The autumn is also better known as the harvest season. Living in the rural part of Florida, I see local farmers markets springing up and crops being harvested before the winter crop is planted. We are blessed to be able to do this because of our mild year round weather. The harvest is the livelihood of many of my neighbors and it is important that it has God's grace. And with a nice dry spell following our abundant summer rains, it is going quite well in most places. Had the rain not let up when it did many of them would be in serious trouble. God be praised for His help.
Fall is also, however, a part of something much larger than the harvest. It is a major player in God's plan for seasons, each of which represents different aspects of life in general. Fall signifies we are mature and getting older and ultimately face the bleakness of winter, or death, before, if saved and born again, we reemerge in a new and better life, just like the seeds of dead flowers coming back to life in the spring. It is a wonderful sign of what God has in store for us if we truly believe in Jesus Christ, who came to earth as a mortal to die so that we might always live.
This time of year should be looked at as another wonderful phase of the year that God has provided with much beauty and utility. The trees become gorgeous and the days are usually nice but there is a chill in the air. Here in Florida we miss most of the color, but I think we make up for it with the weather. Warm sunny days followed by cool nights provide a pleasant change for the oppressive heat and humidity which we just experienced. It is so nice to be able to turn off the air conditioning and allow the gentle cool breeze to enter with the mystical sounds of a rural Southern night. From now until the New Year is my favorite time annually.
It is very important that we remember He who made all of the beauty of life on earth possible. Looking at the wonder of the seasons, the beauty of the stars and the moon in the night sky and the warmth and brightness of sunshine, or the nourishing cooling rains, it is easy to see that a Great Creator, someone who is all powerful and all loving made all of it for us. And all He asks is that we use our life to glorify Him. Is that so hard to do?
I hope you took the time to worship Him today by going to church. If not, at least take the time to commune with Him and thank Him for all that He has done. It's the least you can do and it will certainly help you to be filled with peace, joy and love.
Dear Lord above, Thank you for all the wonders of this world that you have so graciously given to us. Help us to use them wisely and to be good stewards of all of your gifts. Make us always aware of your presence in our lives through your love and devotion to us and open our hearts and minds so that we might always appreciate and accept your grace, for without it we sinners can never be the people that you want us to be. We seek forgiveness for our sins and will strive with all of our energy to learn from our mistakes, never to repeat them again. Help us see the light which will lead us to salvation and a Life Eternal with you and your Son, Our Savior, Jesus Christ. We ask in His name, Amen.
Have a wonderful Lord's Day and may it be filled with peace and love.