Autumn’s gifts.

With Thanksgiving coming up the fourth Thursday in November (in the U.S.), and to appreciate autumn’s gifts in a post, I woke up writing. October and November are finally cooler in the south, and I am jubilant. Autumn days bring brisk breezes creating showers of falling leaves and I can’t wait to watch them drift to the ground. For me, the season is transformative, because its cooler weather makes me feel better than at any other time of year.

Deeply thankful for the cooler season, I list every lovely thing the windy days bring in a good things list.

I don’t have to try to get through autumn, I just flow into it’s rhythm. Every cup of tea that I make and top with cinnamon is a meditative moment in a crazy world. It is a self soothing practice. The heat of the cup and warmth of the tea is like a balm to my aching body.

My husband and I sleep well in the colder weather, not bothering with much heat at night. Digging in like hibernating bears, we cover with our weighty comforter and fall into deep restful sleep.

Days of autumn’s gifts

On weekend mornings, we sit under the window watching the sculptural oaks losing their leaves. Dawn breaks, bursting through the trees and highlighting the grasses and mounds of leaves under the trees. Occasionally a deer, fox, or hawk will quietly move through our view.

Afternoons are spent out of doors, and early evenings in the glow of the fire.

I bake on chilly days just to smell the heady aromas emanating from the oven that fill the house with fall. Pumpkin pie is the best taste of fall to usher in the season. This past weekend, my daughter baked the first two for autumn for our visit. After a dinner of roast and vegetables, we savored every bite of pumpkin goodness topped with cream and a cup of coffee. 

The aromas, colors, and photographs fill both of our homes with a thousand reminders of family and gathering. 

Once again it is time to gather!

With all of the autumn tapestry, I get nostalgic about my mom and dad. Since my parents have been gone over thirty years, I don’t mourn with the same sense of loss, the way I used to. Instead, I share photos and memories with my own grandchildren, so they will remember them with fondness through my eyes.

Looking back, our good things list has always overflowed in the fall with visiting family, chilly days, and all the colors.

So, thank you autumn and thank you God for every good and perfect gift.

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Barefoot and writing,

Kim

you might also enjoy this favorite post from Barefoot: My Fall Bucket List!

A recipe to try: Pumpkin Pie from Yummly

autumns gifts