See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. –Isaiah 43:19
Fall is my favorite time of year. There is just a special magic about the trees dressed in all of their energetic colors. Secretly, I adore fall because I get to dress myself in all of my chunky sweaters and boots—my favorite outfits to wear. Fall is also a great time for family connection and fun. Who doesn’t love going to the pumpkin patch and rooting for your favorite college football team? (Go, Oregon Ducks!)
Also, in the fall I am amazed all over again at how God designed the world. The seasons are so beautiful, each with its own special purpose. Seasons bring us different experiences—some that we look forward to, and some that are more difficult.
As a child I was curious as to why leaves changed color, died, and dropped to the ground. I learned that this withering death is actually part of the tree’s process of reconstruction. Leaves have to die in order to regenerate the life in the tree. Once the dying season passes, the tree becomes dormant or rests until spring, the time when the tree regenerates itself, bursting into bloom, taller and stronger than ever.
The dying season is intended to make way for new life. In a very poignant way, then, fall is the most hopeful season of all.
I recently wrote a book about parenting grieving children. Helping children grieve after a great loss is a tough topic for sure. And yet, even in the process of grief, God reminds us of his great hope. His love and understanding of our broken-heartedness is bigger than the oak trees shedding their leaves outside your kitchen window. We are reminded of this in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Is your family going through a tough time? I’ve been there too, friend. When everyone else around you is celebrating their team’s win and enjoying all the spice of the season, it’s hard to embrace the challenges your family may be facing this autumn. Pain can feel all-consuming, and it’s hard to make meaning of the why and what for of it.
But God’s promises never die; he always fulfills them. Throughout all the fire, throughout all the dying, we can trust that God will redeem all of it. Soon your hope will birth newness of life—spring.
What an amazing God to make the dying season so beautiful!
What’s a special way you can take care of yourself this fall? Are there any special activities or traditions you can do for just yourself, or with your kids, to foster family connection and fun? Feel free to comment below.
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