Today is for Fall Living
“in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”
Jesus has me on a rhythm of rest and work, rest and work. But the work is sweet. We recently moved across the country—back from Texas to our midwestern roots in Illinois. We’re about 20 minutes from the nearest Target, and between us and there is farmland. The long drives to take my daughter to school and pick her up are soothingly through the fields. And when I am not in the car listening to the latest John MacArthur sermon, I am home unpacking boxes and working with my parents on house projects.
Fall in the midwest has my spirit lifted to the trees. I’ve already been to the apple orchard twice, and it’s only September first. I will mention that this luring destination is only about seven minutes from home. Rest and work. Rest and work. And then—apple orchard.
And in it all, the fruit of living is rejoicing in the God of my salvation, giving thanks for Him who is life always. Perhaps some look at fall and imagine loss. The loss of leaves and the exposure of the underlying framework of trunk and branches. The stripping of warmth from the weather. But I see it differently. I feel autumn is that one last invigorating push before everything falls asleep. Making the last of life the best of life. Like my beautiful Jesus making the finest wine, saved for the end of the gathering. Fall challenges me as I settle into the routines of my country-like life. Of the rhythm of driving my daughter to and from school, I do not see the end. But settle not, my soul. Don’t lose momentum. Live like fall, burning brightly until the end—with all hues of living.
Fall, I’ll say it again. You challenge me with your momentous, bounteous, beautifully flaming life. But that’s why I like you.
P.S. If you’re looking for a fall Bible study, try Jude. It’ll draw you closer to Jesus, our beautiful bright morning star.
