I know it’s still August, but I cannot remember a year where I was ever more ready for fall to get here. And, after a summer of smoldering temps and relentless humidity here in the South, I feel certain I’m not alone in this longing. One can only stand so much sweat, so many bad hair days, so much Comcast On Demand, so much sunscreen, so much ozone… all this coupled with a hiatus from Mother’s Day Out and preschool can be bad for a soul.
There’s something so fascinating to me about the change of seasons. I’m sure meteorologists and climatologists and lots of other “-ologists” could explain it all in very scientific terms. But, for me, it remains a great and profound mystery how it can be 98 degrees and unbearable in July and then–in only a matter of weeks–be 68 degrees and glorious in October. This science (or mystery) of seasons has to be one of the best things about living in this part of the country. For the most part, we get four fairly distinct seasons. Sure, they get a little muddled together every now and then, (and global warming may ruin the whole thing!)… but we still have it pretty good here in the South if we can just survive our hair-flattening, egg-sizzling summers. For me, the seasons provide this healthy sense of rhythm, of forward movement, of refreshment. I love that about them.
For myriad reasons, my hands-down favorite season is autumn. Fabulous colors, crisp air, cool breezes, bonfires, pumpkin patches, football games, the Spouse’s birthday, my birthday, and Thanksgiving dinners to cap it all off… it’s this perfect combination of beauty and bounty. You just can’t beat it.
So… even though hot summer days will linger for several more weeks, I feel a little extra kick in my step (and rise in my mood!) just from the mere promise of autumn that I’m beginning to notice in the air. It’s just a hint. It’s something subtle in the breeze. Something less stifling and actually pleasant about being outside in the mornings and evenings. It’s actually feeling relief (rather than a suffocating blast of hot air) when you roll a window down. It’s slight, but it’s there. And, I can feel it. My jeans-ready, sweater-loving self can hardly wait for its sweet arrival. And, for some reason, this year I’m going to feel a lot more grateful for it.
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might; He changes time and seasons.” (Daniel 2:20-21)
What are you looking forward to this fall?
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