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