Fall is here…or is it?
Dear Friend,
Normally, by now my autumn decor would be pulled out of storage, and splashes of burnt orange, flaming crimson, and deep golds would grace my home. An apple cinnamon candle would flicker. Candy corn would fill the glass pumpkin candy dish. Harvest themed towels would hang in the kitchen and bathrooms. Fall flowers would be set on the dining room table—a representation of summer’s end and the beginning of a new season.
Normally.
This year I’m wanting to hold on to summer just a bit longer. I’m not ready to pack away my shorts and bright colored beach towels. Admittedly, it might have something to do with the fickle Midwest temperatures. My mind knows summer has come to an end. Yet, I haven’t fallen into the next season. Physically or metaphorically.
I know the calendar has marked another year of my life, which means I should be slowing down, right? I should be eager to settle for shorter days and surround myself with a lifestyle that adequately represents my age—an age that says I’m ready for the senior discount. Except, I’m not. So, during my time with the Lord last week, I laid all my concerns at His feet. He heard me. He understood my weakness and confusion because my mind might know it’s summer, but my heart. Oh, my heart hasn’t moved into autumn.
And suddenly, I had this revelation—a swelling and expanding in my soul that I recognize as the voice of my Father.
It’s not yet time to harvest.
Not because someone else decided what this age and this season should look like. Not because societal norms or critical observers dictate how I dance the steps to a song written by the hand of God. But when God says it’s time.
The chores and family responsibilities, the new job and writing dreams represent a field that’s bursting with activity as I continue learning how to cultivate spiritual fruit. Yeah, I’m sweaty and tired at the end of the day. I grumble from time to time, too because every season had its hard things. Wisdom must guide the pruning process. And I must not ignore the weeds and pests eager to consume what I’ve grown.
No, it's not summer. But not yet autumn, either.
I’m in between the two.
Maybe you are, too.
My friend, we are uniquely and wonderfully made. Whatever season, or in between seasons, we’re in right now; whatever it looks like, we can cultivate an attitude of gratitude and embrace it. For our Lord has promised a harvest, in due time, based on the seeds sown in our lives. Now, that’s something to be excited about.
Many Blessings,
Julia Kay