I feel September, and beyond the breeze, autumn.

Lazy and satiated by her long summer nap, September scatters a few leaves as she rises and exhales a cool overnight breath.

I don’t know about you, but I feel September whispering to the autumn this morning. Her arrival is a call to harvest and the reaping of what has been sown.

For my daughter. who loves autumn and my amazing family who makes life worth while.

One morning in August of 2021, I woke up and the temperatures were down some, creating an anomalous cooler day with a high of 84 degrees and low humidity. The non oven like day in August excited me akin to the back to school feeling I used to get around Labor Day. Got me thinking about September bringing fall and things to come. Have you felt it yet?

(Between you and me, I look forward to hair that is not humidity induced frizz and clothes that are not always damp and sticky. In Mississippi we perspire profusely most of the year, but in August we do a full on detox just by doing yard work for fifteen minutes, so there’s that. But I digress.)

For me, September is promise.

Her breezes bring refreshing and her rains are slightly cooler and more satisfying. Then, when the light starts to change, I begin to daydream about clear brisk days and all the shades of autumn in America.

For many, September brings the season of harvest and storing up for winter ahead. It is clearly a marker, and this season we should all take note.

In fact, lately I’ve felt the pull to prepare more for winter than in the past. Specifically, due to our current political climate, we all need to be more self reliant. Winter is right around the corner, so storing up for winter seems like a sound plan. Both the literal winter and the threat of unrest and uncertainty can create shortage.

However, though we don’t know what all is coming, God sends seasonal change to remind us to stock up both for the expected and the unexpected. 

Beyond preparation, God also sends another signal with the fall.

As September fades into October, golden hues settle over everything. With the warm light and unfolding season God reminds us also to be grateful. 

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.…

Everything looks more beautiful in the fall light, so if we stop, take a deep breath, and give thanks God’s peace settles over us.

September and October are also the months of outdoor music and starlight in the deep south, where nights are cooler and less steamy.

Overnight it seems, we slow down and live differently.

September and October say apple picking and art festivals outdoors, days at the park tossing a frisbee or picnicking under a big tree without gasping for air. September is when you can try a local outdoor music venue or small town activity. We can make time for a concert or get ice cream with the kids.

So, don’t forget to bring home a pumpkin… and unearth your cool weather clothes, because sweater weather is on the horizon.

Prepare, be grateful, and be filled with peace.

No matter what comes, we are God’s children and he cares for you and for me. 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23.1-3

In the meantime, I will be here dreaming of autumn and writing,

Kim

Galatians 6:7

English Standard Version
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.