Welcome, Fall!

Definition of fall: honeycrisp apples, driving with the windows down, and a season of thankfulness. 

There is just something invigorating about fall, isn’t there? Especially in Texas. On the heels of a scorching summer, fall creeps in and with it brings a cool breeze that runs its fingers through your hair; leaves that mingle with each other as they float to the earth; and sweet and savory pumpkin dishes that fill kitchens with a distinctive autumnal perfume.

                                

At this time more than any other throughout the year, thankfulness is on our hearts. The cool weather ushers in a season of appreciation and gratitude – a time when people make a deliberate effort to be patient and considerate. What is it that arouses this attention to the needs and feelings of others? Is it the holiday season in general? Is it because the year is drawing to a close and our thoughts turn to a desire to end well and start fresh?

Consider this: We are called to be peaceable, considerate, and always gentle (Titus 3:1-2) – not just during the holiday season. Our words should be pleasing to the Lord (Psalm 19:14). What would it take to keep this frame of mind throughout the year?

A few years ago, I started a practice of writing down at least three things I am thankful for every day. When I first started, I had lofty goals of writing eloquent, spiritual things like salvation and grace and forgiveness. Yes, I am thankful for those things every day! But there are also little things I am thankful for that remind me of the God who sees me (Genesis 16:13). I am thankful for safe travel and fuzzy house shoes. I am thankful for velvety smoothies and windbreakers. I am thankful for long conversations with good friends and for a place to lay my head at night. I am thankful that He delights in the details of my life (Psalm 37:23). 

For these things and so much more, I am thankful. Perhaps starting a daily “I Am Thankful For…” list could help put your life into perspective. It has done wonders for my outlook and my attitude.

And so, I challenge us all to “[b]e thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thess 5:18).