The first day of a new season...

"Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."
~ Isaiah 40:4 & 5
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Today marks the first day of a new season. Autumn is once again upon us, and I have begun to realize that another year is drawing to a close. While we don't see a lot of leaves change color here along the Texas Gulf, at least not until about December, and then it is often limited to China Berry Trees turning bright red, there is the notable change in sunlight, and fewer visitors on the beach.

I think back to my youth, growing up in the southern hills of Indiana, and how fall would welcome bright colors among the valleys, and then how the soberness of barren trees would leave me feeling "different."

I am reminded that when I take the hand of a friend, I am already realizing that soon the friend will be absent again. When I am moved by the sound of water flowing, and the flowers along the pond blooming, I discover that I miss those close to me who cannot enjoy them as I do.

I am learning that joy and sadness seem to emerge at the same time, both coming from such deep places in your heart, that finding the words to capture the complexity of emotions and experiences, finds you wandering a pathway that is covered by leaves on the forest floor.

While we often associate the "golden years," of our life with autumn, the emptiness of trees reaching outward reminds us that we look for the promise of spring. The understanding that our spirit will encounter a new existence among the hills and valleys of heaven where we will no longer experience the seasons of separation, distance, and emptiness. If anything, it is days like today that remind me to look forward in the expectation of the new season, while we all remain in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2019