Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
Autumn has a way of helping with transition, stirring us from vacation mode, Summer’s heat, and the slow, muggy days to a new season. Crisp, cooler temps and windswept landscapes are adorned with fallen multi-colored leaves that crackle under our steps. God had a purpose when creating the seasonal changes, and He designed us for changes, too—renewal, fresh purpose, and passion.
There is so much I love about Fall, the harvest season. Choosing a new devotional book to read during the month of October has helped me turn my heart and thoughts to embracing the new season. Perhaps you, too, have committed to a new season of daily readings in God’s Word. As we read, His Word comes alive, igniting the Holy Spirit’s fire within us, removing the dullness, and sparking renewed hope.
The harvest season also speaks of reaping and resetting for the winter months to come. Our home is already prepared with bright pumpkins and chrysanthemums in place outside to welcome visitors. Inside, cozy blankets and comforters are at the ready, candles in place for lighting. Cotton shirts, shorts and sandals have been replaced with sweaters and boots. Our bodies begin to hunger for the tastes of harvest and comfort food. In my kitchen the crockpot reappears from its remote storage, all set for homemade stews and soups. Recipes are sorted, fresh root vegetables are gathered from the garden, or in my case, from the farmer’s market. The kitchen table is prepared with a candle to welcome the hungry. The humble stew is ladled into bowls, crusty sourdough bread is sliced and slathered with butter—a simple meal that God has provided to nourish us. We receive with thanksgiving the hot meal as a gift of His provision. Once again, He has made all things new in His time, His Autumn harvest time.
With November just around the corner, our thoughts may already be focused on Thanksgiving plans. Before turning the page on the calendar, may I encourage you to begin now to set the tone for the holidays by thinking how you can embrace the harvest season, and then perhaps devote the entire month of November to preparing your heart for a time of offering thanksgiving and gratitude to the Lord for Who He is and all He has done.
With eyes on Him,
~ Marsha
Dear Provider, thank You for the reminder that our hearts are ignited with Holy Spirit ‘s fire when we open Your Word each day to fan the flame of hope. We also thank You for this harvest season, and whatever hot meal we partake in today, for its flavor, nutrition, and heartiness that fills us after a hard day’s work. You are also the Provider of the Bread of Life, Jesus, who nourishes our soul and sustains us in this life. With thanks and praise, we pray in His name. Amen.
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