Anticipating Autumn

       

.     Ever since I taught high school French, actually even before that, when I was a high school student, I remember the excitement that began to fill me in late August. It was the anticipation of the start of school-- new books, new clothes, new classrooms, new friends. The world seemed ripe with possibility. Of course, that was way back when school started the day after Labor Day and ended just before Memorial Day! Even now, though, something in me awaits this particular change of seasons with great expectation. I always look forward to more time outdoors, when my nose can enjoy the pungent aroma of ripening persimmons, crisp drying leaves, smoky campfires, and spicy chrysanthemums, and my eyes can feast on the brilliant hues decorating lawn and field and forest. I think it's the hope for something new and exciting-- unknown, yet somehow familiar.

      Oh how I wish I could carry that feeling with me each day, to wake up joyfully anticipating the surprises waiting for me in the coming twenty-four hours. Unfortunately, it's usually easier to expect what I've experienced in the past, and too often I focus on the disappointments instead of the delights. How about you? Perhaps we need to remind ourselves that each new day is a new beginning just like the Fall return to school. Each day brings the possibility of new encounters, with God, nature, or people.

      I just watched an episode of my favorite TV show, Heartland, which happened to take place at the beginning of autumn. Though life's struggles are always a part of the program, this episode ended with all the different storylines looking forward to new beginnings: a horse rescued, a marriage and a home for troubled children being given new new chances, a child starting kindergarten. It was the end of the television season, but what a great ending, because each segment was looking ahead with anticipation of good things to come. It left me smiling, and feeling better than I had for several days.

      And so I'm writing to remind myself that I have the very best reason of all to look to the future with joy. Because of my faith in Messiah Jesus, I know that no matter what each moment here on earth brings, I am assured that one day I'll walk into a perfectly brilliant future filled with the familiar companionship of my loved ones who also believed. Together we'll have endless days to join them and countless new friends who will truly be our brothers and sisters, united for eternity in joyful worship of King Jesus!

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,

and he will stand upon the earth at last.

And after my body has decayed,

yet in my body I will see God!

I will see him for myself.

Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. 

I am overwhelmed at the thought!"

(Job 19:25-27 NLT)

"He must increase and I must decrease."

John 3:30

 ✝️