A New Season


Reflections by the Sea © Betsy Ore Glass
November 11, 2009

And God said, Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years ,-Genesis 1:14 NIV

The fresh green of newly sprouted rye grass, the yellow, red and orange leaves on the trees, the smell of swirling smoke from neighboring fireplaces and the cool, crisp air is what November means to me. The swishing sound of someone raking leaves and pine straw is music to my ears. A bright orange pumpkin and pot of yellow potted mums by the front door says “welcome”. Okra pods and dried hydrangeas are ready to set aside for spraying with gold paint for handmade Christmas wreaths and centerpieces. McIntosh apples are plentiful now for that warm chunky applesauce at supper. I believe it is true what they say, that the heart of the hone is the kitchen. That’s the gathering place. Good food warms hearts and souls. Laughter and conversation spills forth when everyone converges upon the kitchen at the end of the day. Reading the mail, petting the dogs, setting the table, starting supper and sharing the day happens in our kitchen. With the coming of cooler weather and shorter days, I find myself looking for comfort. A warm supper, a soft afghan to curl up with afterwards and my pup beside me, it’s the perfect evening. I believe November is a nurturing time of year. In a few weeks it will be Thanksgiving. The time we devote to counting our blessings and sharing food and hospitality with family and friends.

When we had to change our clocks recently, I easily remembered how to do it….spring forward and fall back. And I get it right every time!! (Now if I could just get help changing the clock in the car!!) When seasons change, it is also a good time to take stock of things, including our spiritual life. To sit before God and see if we are still on the right track. Are we doing what He would have us do? Are we growing, increasing our faith with each day? Are we doing more for Him and others? Are we loving more and forgiving always? Is our spirit open to Him or are we going down our own path? We can find peace and comfort in God’s Presence. In His Arms. Whatever may be in our hearts that we carry and are concerned about, we can turn it over to Him. He allows us to “fall back” on Him when we turn over our concerns. To release everything to Him frees us and gives us the chance to seize the many opportunities He brings for us to be able to “spring forward”, even if it is so simple as to step into a new season with peace.