A Matter of Faith...

By Carol Round

EACH SEASON HAS A PURPOSE

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

Summer has given up its hold. The early days of autumn with a crispness in the air appeal to the five senses more than any other season.
I remember how blessed I am when I see the trees as they begin their annual dance. The burnished gold, dusty red, muted orange and bright yellow leaves float gracefully through the air and cover the earth. While it means more yard work, I welcome it.
What child hasn’t hidden in a pile of raked leaves and then tossed them in the air just to watch them drift softly to the ground again. Yes, even yard work can be fun.
I savor the sights, the sounds, the smells and tastes associated with this season: the crackling of dry leaves underfoot; the rustling of deer, rabbits, squirrels and raccoons in the dry foliage; leaves burning when there’s no fire ban; chainsaws growling as they prepare wood for winter’s warmth.
When I think of this season, my taste buds recall early fall evenings when we roasted hot dogs and toasted marshmallows to make s’mores. The thought of a square of chocolate sandwiched between graham crackers and a gooey marshmallow increases the anticipation of my favorite part of the year.
Hiking in the woods when the leaves have left the trees bare, I find time for reflection. Quiet beckons. I re-evaluate. I put one step in front of the other and try not to look back at the past when I thought things were greener.
As I watch the scenery change from blues and greens to reds and golds, from browns and grays and back again, I am reminded of the cycles we experience in our own seasons of life. We watch a loved one die. We welcome the birth of a child or grandchild. We see our dreams shattered when someone disappoints us.
When the landscape changes colors, it is a reminder that nothing stays the same. As the seasons change, so must we. If we are to be a God-centered person, we must find the purpose in each season of our life.
To ignore the changes means we are unable to move forward to what God has planned for us. Like the leaves that drift to the ground, we are asked by our creator to let go and trust Him as He prepares us for each season.
Associated with the transition from warm to cold weather, autumn is the season of primary harvest. Just as mature crops yield their bounty, God wants us to continue growing through a relationship with Him and mature into the person whom He created us to be.
Regardless of the season we are in, we should see each change as an opportunity to celebrate the good and have hope that we might encounter the fullness of God.
Twilight comes early these days. It is a peaceful time. It serves a purpose.
What purpose do you seek in this season of your life? Let it glorify God.

Carol Round, a former Jay High School journalism teacher, now resides in Claremore, Oklahoma. Readers can reach her at carolaround@yahoo.com.