What’s not to love about the most colorful of seasons? Trees show off their extravagant display of glory before exhaling and covering the ground with fragments of beauty. Crisp, cozy, pumpkin spice everything and Thanksgiving holidays—but in the fall flurry, can we pause for just a moment? Wide-eyed and open-hearted, let’s lean in and listen as we try paying attention to autumn…
“Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.” Mary Oliver
I recently had the pleasure of presenting to a group of writers, and this delightful quote was my springboard. We considered writing through the seasons and paused to take stock of each one; what our five senses pick up, what moods are evoked, favorite foods, nostalgic memories, and even what kind of books we gravitate toward.
We sometimes follow nature’s lead. We hunker down and hibernate in winter, feel energized and ready to grow in spring, and enjoy rest and relaxation in the long days of summer. But what of autumn?
“Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” Jim Bishop
Perhaps it’s a time of gratitude—we celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones and the season of literal harvest is upon us. But is there more if we pay attention? Is the Creator speaking through creation in the simple falling of leaf from tree?
The letting go.
The release.
The surrender.
“Surrender” is my “one word” for 2022. You can read about it HERE. It’s been simmering on the back burner of my mind as I turn each calendar page, pricking my conscience, tugging at my heart.
Truth be told, I’m rather a control freak. Surrendering my will and my way to even the One who knows and loves me most… it’s a challenge. But as we head into this final quarter of the year, as we fall into fall, I want to pay attention to the way nature shines and sheds making way for eventual new growth.
“Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.” James 4:10
Will you join me as I pry open my clenched fist and incline my ear to God’s gentle whisper? As I watch leaves effortlessly tumble from tree to terrain to make room for new growth in future seasons.
Let’s pay attention to autumn and embrace this specific season in all its glory…
What do you love about this gorgeous time of year, friend? Do share in the comments! ⬇️
Happy fall, y’all!
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🧡 Linking up with some fabulous encouragers… check them out:
LET’S HAVE COFFEE; GRACE & TRUTH LINK-UP; TUNE-IN THURSDAY; INSPIRE ME MONDAY
Hi Laura!
What can I say about this season? Well, it is my favorite season of the year, for one! Like you, I love the changing autumn colors and the leaves which release their hold from the trees – or is it the trees which release their hold on the leaves? 😉 Either way, I love how you described it as a season of surrender. I think I needed that word today. Surrendering is difficult to do, however, when we let go of ourselves…of our worries and concerns and give them to the One who sees far beyond what we know, we make room for the new growth that He longs to bring into our lives.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Jo! 🤗 I love that this is your favorite season of the year… I hope you thoroughly enjoy all its complexities and gratitudes! Blessings to you.
Lovely post Laura.
Thanks so much, friend! 🤗
As you SURRENDER this year and I RELEASE, we’re both leaning in to hear “God’s gentle whisper.” I love that imagery, Laura. I’m about to take a long road trip this week, so I’ll be watching for God’s glory in the trees all along the way. Glad you linked up at Grace & Truth!
Hi Lisa, thanks so much! I’m also heading out on a trip and I’ll be paying attention right alongside you, friend! 🤗 Safe travel and blessings to you!
Thank you for sharing of yourself here. Lovely observations of the season.
My pleasure to share, Lauren. 🤗 Thanks for your kind words… blessings to you!
In my journey through Leukemia two years ago, I had no choice but surrender everything, and I mean everything! But I can tell you that the journey the Lord took me on was one of beauty, simplicity, being still, experiencing His Divine Presence in such an ever present way and joy, oh so much joy!! There was nothing I lacked because the Lord provided in every possible way and blessed me beyond comprehension. So I have learned to live life with hands wide open because His plans for me, and His ways are so much better than I could attempt on my own, and the reward is eternal!
Oh Janet, watching your story unfold has been so beautiful… what a glorious testimony of God’s perfect peace and His faithfulness in your life! 🤗 Thank you for sharing— I know your complete surrender to Him has been powerful beyond words! You are a blessing to me and many, many others!