Changing Seasons

The weather has been getting colder every day. Recently, I finally had to use my winter coat and gloves. The leaves lost their vibrant green color of spring and are falling to the ground. This morning there were golden leaves on my windshield. Driving to work they were soaring every which way as the wind propelled them in different directions. There are less people out and the ones you see are rushing here and there, trying to stay warm, and escaping from their warm homes only to bustle along in their duties quickly. You can smell more fires burning and there is a chill in the air that only comes with fall. It's a good time of year, probably one of my favorite as you literally watch the passing from summer to autumn and from autumn to winter.

The 22^nd was Erica’s 24^th birthday. Even though 24 wasn't too long ago for me, it feels like a lifetime. At 24, I was heartbroken in a relationship that I knew was going nowhere, I had no idea who I was or where I was going. I didn't know what was up, or what was down. I was overweight, underappreciated (or so I thought), unloved, unsure of myself and overzealous to go the wrong way. Those who knew me then wouldn't recognize me now.

Erica is on the right path in her faith. She is energetic and full of life; she is tall, blonde, and beautiful. She has such energy for the Lord that she has inspired my faith in the short time we have worked together. She has a childlike love of God that makes me smile. She makes me want to run outside, into a field of wild flowers and frolic all day long, gazing at the wonders God has placed before us. It's a pretty cool way to be. The Bible says in Mark 10:13-16 "Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them."

Though the seasons change, and the leaves and weather ebb and flow, it's wondrous to think our Lord never changes. Even we as humans can change our colors like leaves. We can go into different seasons of life being tossed to and fro, even falling to the ground at times, but our Lord is ever faithful calling us to Him. He is there through times when we seem to have a child like wonder at His awesome works to times when we are propelled out of control. I imagine the Lord patient, a picture of serenity as He lingers near us waiting for our attention to return to Him. There He waits for His children, with an open lap like a father ready for us to crawl up into his lap and just snuggle. We can crawl up into the lap of Jesus and nestle with Him and tell Him all of our problems and cares and He wants to listen and to bless us. He wants to talk to us and sit with us and love on us. It's a beautiful thing. Thanks Erica, for reminding me of that.