Devotion

One of my favorite things about living in the Northeast is the change in seasons.

I love the white winter landscapes and the first shades of green in spring; the lush, green gardens and the fiery reds and golds of fall. Everything feels new, yet familiar at the same time.

There’s a certain rhythm to the change in seasons. Every few months, we yearn for change—a fresh start, something to wake up within us and come to life again.

But change is bittersweet. Because while we embrace the new season (scarves! apple cider! leaves!), we must leave behind the old. It's part of moving forward, moving on. It's part of growing, maturing, and learning. It's part of life.

Just like the seasons of the year, God gives us seasons in life, as well: seasons of friendship and of loneliness, seasons of abundance and want, seasons of love and heartache.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1

Fall is a season of slowing down, savoring, and coming together. A season of practicing hospitality—welcoming and inviting others in. It's also a season of reflection and thoughtfulness. Of learning to live with grace and gratitude. Fall reminds me to be present, to look people in the eye and listen intently. To stop and notice the changes around me. To look for opportunities to bless others.

What does Fall mean to you?

Prayer

Dear God,

Thank you for the gift of seasons, in our world and in our lives. Thank you for change and newness and growth and beauty. Thank you for making all things new, again and again.

Thank you for the work you are doing in our lives, for the seasons of life you've called us to right now. We pray that we might find peace and joy this week and in the weeks to come; that we might be found faithful in your sight.

Grant us the strength to embrace each new day with all that we are, to work unto You, to reflect Your love to those we meet. Grant us patience and endurance for times of trouble, grace for times of trial, and wisdom for times of joy.

We pray all this in Jesus' name,

Amen.