Leaning Into Autumn!
Technically, the first day of fall arrived during the early evening hours of September 22 nd . But we have had such dry conditions and warm temperatures for weeks that the trees waited until a month later to begin showing their fall colors! On our way to church yesterday, we caught a glimpse of what is in store for the closing few days of October! As we passed the city’s wastewater treatment plant on the north side of Springfield, we could see nature leaning into autumn. Hello, Fall!! I prefer spring and summer, but reluctantly embrace fall. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the brilliant colors, unseasonable temperatures, and getting outside (without choking humidity!) for walks and short road trips to see the harvesting progress of area farmers. What tends to steal my joy, in this short season, is that I think I know what’s ahead… those four-letter words… cold and snow! I just can’t lean into winter, although I know it is part of God’s plan for nature’s cycle. It always amazes me how th...