Does Autumn ever make you want to sing for joy? Vick shares how a photo shoot outside warmed her heart.
“Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest” (Jeremiah 5:24).
“Hey, I’m not finished with fall,” the rainbow-colored, snow-covered maple tree complained.
Why do things have to come to an end? Especially sooner than expected. When disease strikes and causes unexpected changes, we complain like the maple tree: “Hey, I’m not finished doing that job.”
Life becomes unpredictable. The seasons remind us God is still in control. We can depend on spring following winter, as more foliage sings for joy.
Fall has always been my favorite season. Even before being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), I looked forward to the brilliant colors. Now, more than ever, I love the crisp temperatures. Lower humidity allows me to drink in the breathtaking beauty of the trees.
Yesterday, I treated myself to a photo shoot. The fall foliage provided a beautiful backdrop to the covered bridges which sprinkle my county.
As I gazed on the splendor, God spoke to my heart, whispering sweet verses. His timing is perfect.
- God has a plan for my life, to be revealed in His perfect timing. “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
- Along with the leaves, I will offer Him a symphony of praise. “Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.” (Psalm 96:12)
- He makes all things new. He will show me new ways to serve Him. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19)
At times, it seems like MS has turned my life into a scorched desert. But, my Creator can transform it into a lush, fertile garden. To spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.
Changes can bring beauty. Changes in temperature reveal the hidden beauty of the leaves, colors that were there all along. Changes brought on by MS have revealed the beauty of God’s faithfulness that was there all along.
While enjoying the traditions of the season (caramel apples, football games, marching bands, and pumpkin bread), reflect on the promises of fall.
Prayer: Dear Father, Forgive me when I complain about changes in my life. Remind me of Your promised provision. Shift my attention to the Your power and order displayed in Your mighty works. Examples of promises echoed throughout the Bible. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her online community she reaches out to other parents of children with special needs. http://theblogfrog.com/1505794
How does the beauty of the season remind you of God’s love? What season makes you sing for joy?
Take a moment to see the autumn leaves of the Great Smokey Mountains sing for joy as Autumn arrives! -Lisa
God bless you, Vicki! This is beautiful, and so true. Joining you in reflecting on the promises of this special season with love and prayer…Hugs, dear one…BeBe <3
Thanks, BeBe.
I did another photo shoot today (guess 203 pics aren’t enough!). I want to capture the vibrant colors before they fall and die. Winter will come. Which will lead me to another symbol of God’s love…My life may seem stark and plain. My assurance: His beauty will blossom and shine through in His perfect timing. May God use you in ways you never expected, dear friend.
Oh Vicki, the Lord had you specifically say this in your reply to me…it’s right where I am…He knew exactly what my heart needed to hear. And of COURSE a mere 203 pics aren’t enough. when the colors are changing minute by minute…we don’t want to miss a thing in God’s unique moments of His seasons!
Standing with you and each one here as in each of us “He makes all things beautiful in His time…” My heart is SO smiling…<3
Vicki, thank you for this beautiful devotional. For many years I dreaded fall, knowing that winter, with it’s complications for getting around and for the cold, which worsens my arthritis pain and skin problems. But for the last 3 or 4 years God has been reminding me of how the change of seasons represent the fact that He keeps His promises. (Note Gen.8:22, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” K.J.V.) This has changed my perspective about this time of year and I’ve enjoyed it more.
It was lovely to see some red maples in the pictures at the end of the piece. We have our roots in Ontario and now live in the western prairies of Canada, so we really miss the red colours, although we’ve grown to appreciate the leaves turning here.
Oh Vicki, this REALLY ministered to me today…..deeply into my soul! Thank you. The verses spoke straight into my situation too! I particularly was ministered to by: “But, my Creator can transform it into a lush, fertile garden. To spread the aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” Sigh! Needed that. Loved the photo.
My favourite season is summer. In Australia that means Christmas, summer holidays & starting a fresh new year. I love the heat that thaws my chilled bones. We’re getting closer to warmth here, but it’s struggling to break through. Apparently it will be a long, hot summer here this year, so maybe I’ll change my thoughts about it when it’s scorching hot! Will see. Thanks again. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Dear BeBe,
How exciting to learn God used me to pass along an “I love you” message to you!
Hi Beth,
I also enjoyed the red maple leaves in the video at the end of my devotional. Gotta thank Lisa for her choice!
Dear Kerryn,
How awesome that we can have different favorite seasons and both be enjoying them at the same time…fall for me here, summer soon for you there. I’m glad my fall analogy ministered to you even though summer is your favorite season. Praise God for His transforming power in our lives. I think we’re both looking to our divine transformation here on earth and then in heaven!
Vicki – you paint such a lyrical view of both the beauty and the ache that Autumn can bring.
It is, also, one of my favorite seasons. It once marked the beginning of the school years and somehow seemed, to me, more a beginning than the transition that it is. It brings joy before the stillness of winter sets in – winter which also has its beauty.
As God orders the natural seasons with their purposes, you have reminded me of how He also has an order ( along with His plans ) that will unfold in my life, as well. They are good reminders to ponder.
Thank you!
Lynn
Dear Lynn,
Fall used to mark the beginning of a new school year…The first year I didn’t join the troops of educators marching into school I grieved. Couldn’t help think of the second graders someone else was teaching. Shifting my thinking to gratitude was like moving a ton of bricks in my mind. Turning it over to the Lord eased my loss.
Each September (and August) I find it easier. Thinking about what I DON’T miss instantly transforms my thinking…no more setting up a classroom, parent-teacher conferences, field trips (which wore me out!)…
Now I see the blessings God had in store for me: visiting my mother once a month while she’s still with us, spending quality time with my husband (instead of half listening to him while I grade papers), enjoying photo shoots, and watching how God will use me in new ways.
Come to think of it, I guess I’m living an endless autumn of my life!
Vicki – I can soooo relate to the grief of missing teaching. I retired 20 years ago because of my health and I still have feelings come every August when I used to go in a turn my classroom space into an environment where we all could be comfortable. Oh, how I loved it – all of it! ( 3rd graders )
I have made peace with the loss but there are some heart strings that still get pulled.
I recently ( August ) did a four-part posting on my blog as I reflected over these past 20 years as there have been blessings along the way in spite of having to let go of a beloved career.
If you click on my name, it will take you to my blog. As I just discovered that you have a blog, I will put your link onto mine – just have not done it yet! You may find some comparisons of thoughts re: missing school years if you read through my retirement reflections!
And I agree, having my camera handy any time of the year is a must. Each season has its beauty and I love to capture the images, too.
Bless you!
Lynn
Vicki & Lynn, I too miss teaching terribly sometimes. However, I don’t miss writing reports! Hugs to you both. Late January is when we start back at school in Australia. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Lynn,
I checked out your blog. I love the verse you included in your profile.
“And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness— secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name” (Isaiah 45:3, NLT).
Thanks for adding a link to my blog on yours!
Dear Kerryn,
Ah, the dreaded task of writing reports…add that to my list of what I DON’T miss when I think of teaching.
Thanks, Vicki for checking out my blog and for the kind comments you left.
I replied to your comments and am never sure who returns to see any I leave.
For those with gmail accounts, I can email them so they have the comments in that way if they don’t return.
Sorry Kerryn and Vicki – I even loved writing the school reports!