Seasons Change

Change is never easy. It can be fun, even worthwhile, but there is always a period of adjustment. The most inspiring possibilities still fail to completely eclipse the twinge of grief we feel toward letting go of the familiar, and touch of fear for what is to come. From the simplest adjustment to the most profound transition, change makes an impact on each of us.
At this moment, nature is changing as it slowly transitions from the bright, warm days of summer toward the overcast, chilly days of fall. Soon, the autumn leaves will be highlights against cloudy skies and the crisp temperatures will encourage us to unpack the clothes we stored in spring. There will be the smell of apple cider, and the scent of fires burning in fireplaces around town. At the same time, the shorts and t-shirts will go back in the drawers and the long days will melt away. There will be many things to look forward to, and many things to bid farewell, at least for now.
The past few days were part of a time of change in our lives. Our youngest daughter graduated earlier this year, and with the other children working or caring for their own families, this will be the first year in quite a while with no back-to-school shopping and no first-day-of-school pictures. There are no more lunches to pack or papers to sign, no one to wake up or help as backpacks are readied. It is a new season in our lives. Sure, we will miss the familiar activities and share a little sadness, but there are new opportunities on the horizon.
As I began my day yesterday, I remembered previous years and enjoyed my moment of nostalgia, but then I turned my attention to the gifts of the present: my new grandson, more time with my wife, and a myriad of new opportunities awaiting us all. I never want to forget those moments of the past, but I would hate to miss the possibilities of the future while I was gazing backward.
God calls us forward. Each moment is fresh and new, and while God is the same yesterday, today and forever, our experience with him is not. Life is not static, nor can we find our direction and destiny looking over our shoulder. This is the day the Lord has made and there is ample reason to rejoice and be glad in it. May we do just that.

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