Autumn: Beautiful, Bare, and Holy

I love autumn. I love to watch our mountains transform from a blanket of green into winding rivers of aspen gold.

The crackle of wood on a cozy fire chases away the evening chill, and mouths water while patiently waiting for perfectly toasted marshmallows  to squish between chocolate and graham crackers. Smells waft through the house with the fragrance of home baked treats...some to keep and some to share. The crickets' song lulls us to peace and beckons us to rest with their final serenade of the season.


CHILDREN...

Children's faces light up with delight when the perfect pumpkin is found in the farmer's patch.

Children know how to STOP AND ENJOY. They delight in the simplicity of things...raking leaves, jumping in piles, and crunching leaves between their toes on surprisingly warm days. Children seem to inherently know the value of things. They help us to realize there is beauty in what others may call a nuisance or even a mess.   

AUTUMN DELIGHTS ARE BUT A BREATH IN THE STRETCH OF THE SEASONS...

The calico handiwork of our Maker seems to disappear as quickly as it emerges. I stand in awe of the fire red maple tree in our front yard. Its beauty is unmatched against the backdrop of  Colorado blue sky.   

It is here...under this magnificent young tree where my children climb and play that I begin to wonder...

WHEN WILL THE LEAVES DIE AND FALL FROM THIS BEAUTY TREE? 

It won't be long. I know it won't be long... *sigh*

Within two short days of scarlet beauty, a storm comes to shake the branches and rattle the leaves free. Rain pounds heavy and most leaves fall under the burden. A few desperately try to hang on and cling to the life of the tree. Wind whips fierce howling through the branches.

IT'S TIME TO LET GO...

YOU HAVE TO LET GO...

This is the way it has to be. This is what has always been planned.  

THIS IS BEST.

The tree must be stripped bare.

Sometimes...

WE MUST BE STRIPPED BARE, TOO.

We have to let go, and let the Wind and Rain shake parts of us free.

WE HAVE TO LET OURSELVES BE TREE NAKED BEFORE OUR MAKER.

We have to let our leaves die and fall away. Getting this honest can be painful, and lonely. We may feel vulnerable and raw and...

UGLY...

This is the way it has to be. This is what has always been planned.

THIS IS BEST.

We have to be soul bare and ready.

BECAUSE...

Soft and silent He will come.

I PROMISE.

HE WILL COME...

 

TO MAKE US BEAUTIFUL...

Wrapped in the blanket of Him, I am in true awe. It leaves me breathless, because somehow it all feels just a little bit...

HOLY...