Seasons of the year and seasons in life

I wish I'd taken the time to take the picture. It's too late now. The leaves are almost completely gone from the two trees in my front yard... the big papa tree and the smaller baby tree. For a short time, everything around me was beautiful and when one lives at the edge of a forest, the trees are the star of the show. At least most of the year.

However, Papa and the Baby out front were stars among stars... breathtaking in their beauty. Whenever I walked onto the porch, I saw such colorful beauty it hurt. These mortal bodies can only handle so much at a time until they achieve sensory overload. Perhaps that's why I didn't get around to taking a picture... I wanted them to live in my memory and in the magic that they brought.

We are nearing the end of autumn and the early weeks of winter... not the actual date which true winter begins but that time of year when rain showers may turn to snow on the ground and one who lives surrounded by trees can see the sun setting for the first time since... April perhaps?

Now when I sit on the rocking chair at the corner of my porch, I can see the barn belonging to the farm across the county road. I love barns... and tractors... and farm houses... and trees. God has definitely given me boundary lines in pleasant places.

Life can be a struggle at times which can leave us weary and thirsty sojourners looking forward to our Heavenly home. There are many events in my life right now that keep me at the feet of my Saviour... as Provider, Healer, Protector, Peace Giver... Friend. I am totally out of control of the circumstances, which in the long run is the best after all.

In the morning before anyone else awakes, I push the button of the coffee pot to "on" and then curl up next to Sasha on the sofa to glean from the Word and my devotional... sipping from my Pooh mug the hot coffee with Splenda and cream and thinking morning is the best time of all.

Later I do that which is before me by grinding wheat to make a loaf of bread, simmering chicken soup in the stock pot, stirring together a batch of muffins for the guys to serve with tea or decaf coffee in the evening... those things which women have been doing for millenia in the midst of war and peace, adversity and plenty, sickness and health... whatever circumstances they find themselves in... offering food and comfort when possible.

Very soon the warmth of Indian Summer will be long forgotten and I will need a warm throw over me as I read a book in the evening. I will feel the cold of the wooden flooring at my feet when I run from my bed to find the flannel robe hanging on the back of the bedroom door each morning. Another season will be behind me, a new season beginning.

Sounds a lot like life right now.

Picture: The edge of the forest a few weeks ago