It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NKJV

No, I am not rushing for Christmas to come – although stores are already preparing for the holiday shopping; and no, I am not celebrating back to school like those parents in the Staples commercial.  For me the most wonderful time of the year is autumn. 

Autumn is the beautiful season that transitions from the hot days of summer to the cold snowy days of winter.  It is the time of year when we can remove our air conditioners and open the windows to let in the cool brisk air and the smell of pine from the wood-burning fireplaces.  Every year I continue to be in awe of the beautiful tapestry of orange, yellow, green, burgundy leaves that cover the trees on the rolling hill and mountains surrounding our home.   I love the smell of pumpkin pies baking in the oven and the hot spiced apple cider on the stove.  As we drive to the store we see houses beautifully decorated with orange and yellow mums, jack-o-lanterns carved out of pumpkins from the pumpkin patch and large dried corn stalks and dried corn hung on doors and pillars.  I enjoy visiting neighboring farms that have corn mazes and hayrides along with pick your own pumpkin from the patch.   There is nothing like attending a local football game in the brisk night air while sipping hot chocolate and cheering your team on to victory.  Then in November we commemorate the end of autumn with a bountiful feast on Thanksgiving Day giving thanks for all the Lord has provided. 

Yes, I am singing the song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year”.  It’s a time of reflecting and giving thanks to our Lord and Savior for His beautiful handiwork in His creation and His continual provisions for His creation.