As this Thanksgiving Day brings to a close the fall season, and whisks in—full force—the Christmas season, I take a few moments to write a few words to celebrate the beauty that autumn brings with it.
This year, the love for fall did not fail me. I drove back and forth past the nearby University campus staring at the beauty in the trees until I couldn’t take it any longer! I had to whip in and take a few pictures! The reds, yellows, and oranges were magnificent! I feel so blessed to live where these beautiful changes are so evident. The weather was practically perfect for the majority of the season. I have had multiple fires in our fire pit in the back yard. I’ve eaten roasted marshmallows; drank hot apple cider and homemade hot chocolate. I went to our county farm festival. I watched fireworks. I’ve eaten pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pie, and drank pumpkin lattes. Some things never get old.
I often see sayings that indicate that fall is proof that change can be beautiful. There is a lot of truth in that statement. I don’t always particularly like what it alludes to because change can be extremely difficult depending on what it looks like. My family’s season of change has been difficult to say the least, but as with this autumn, there has been beauty (from ashes). God has been gracious to restore, support, and strengthen after one of the most difficult times of my life. He showed Himself faithful when I couldn’t see around the corner. He was there.
“to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:3 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/isa.61.3.ESV
“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.”
1 Peter 5:10-11 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/1pe.5.10-11.NLT
This day—and every day—He is worthy of our thanksgiving. He is worthy of our praise. He is good. He is faithful!
I am thankful for my family and friends.
I am thankful for my home, my health, and work.
I am thankful for the salvation we have been offered through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
I am thankful for the wonderful and abundant life that God has allowed me to have.
I am thankful for the memories. Sometimes the good is still grieved simply because of the loss; however, the blessing of the good is still recognized. The past can help direct our path forward. I want mine to reflect the good He has done in me and for me.
In conclusion, this fall season has brought a bit of grieving for a place that was no longer readily accessible; yet it also brought beauty from ashes. It brought to fruition a major goal that I had diligently been working on this year. We had fall family photos professionally taken for the first time in seven years. It brought beauty that was so vibrant that I could hardly stand it! I have felt joy and excitement returning in greater volume, along with laughter. I look forward to new goals with anticipation. For these things, I am truly thankful…and so I celebrate with you! I hope you are celebrating, too.
“Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough? Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the Lord!”
Psalms 106:1-2, 48 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.106.1-48.NLT
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 