Saturday, September 22, 2012

Autumn!

There just isn't anything I don't appreciate about Autumn.  The beauty of the colors, the chill in the air, the sweaters and turtlenecks I begin to wear again, the apple and pumpkin picking, the baking, the fire pit, the quilts and comforters, even the fact that dusk comes earlier.....it is all a joy to me.  The sky appears to be a deeper blue against the brilliance of the leaves, and. although I am aware that this season is most often thought of as the ending of summer, I think of it as the colorful introduction to months of celebration.  Thanksgiving!  Christmas, following soon after!  So much to look forward to, so many new memories to make.  Like those scurrying squirrels I watch, I want to gather up all the goodness of this season and bury it deep in my heart.  Another Autumn to savor, another gift from our good Creator.

"As I ran under the arches of yellow and red leaves I sang for joy, my heart was so bright and the world so beautiful."  ~ Louisa May Alcott ~

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Gentle Living

I enjoy "people-watching".  There are many opportunities to observe folks going through what are often the most routine situations.....the grocery store line, the shopping mall, the airport, a restaurant, the doctor's office.  My favorite is probably the airport.  Where are they going?  Is someone waiting anxiously to greet them?  Are they coming or going to a joyful reunion or is their heart  heavy as they travel to or from a painful experience?  My observations are often fun....parents playing with and enjoying their children, friends laughing together, large families sitting down for a meal together, folks fidgeting or trying to stay awake while waiting for their name to be called.  Sometimes, though, what I see and hear are  reminders of the harshness of this world.  Anger, inpatience, fear, negligence, tension, unkind words and actions. 

This quote from Mr. Dickens gives, in very few words, a recipe for a softer and more gentle way of going about life.  Good advice!

"Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts."
                        
                                                         ~ Charles Dickens ~

Friday, September 7, 2012

Soul Food

Quite a while ago, I read a wonderful book written by John Piper, the title of which is "The Hidden Smile of God."  If you are not familiar with it, I highly recommend it.  In his book, Piper quotes Richard Foster (also one of my favorite authors!), who, in his thought, quotes Alfred North Whitehead.  So...another triple quote!

Reading this quote reminded me of how small our world and our vision can become, especially when we are totally focused on daily duties or trials.  How essential it is to allow God to raise us up over this temporary place we inhabit....to look upward and inward and to ask Him to expand our understanding, to find that hope that does not disappoint, that is stirred up within us because it is God who pours out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us (Romans 5:5).  We can rejoice in the hope of the Glory of God (Romans 5:2b).....we can experience the fullness and richness of life on a daily basis and be strengthened and encouraged for the journey!  I want this joy, this hope, this peace.....this vision.  I imagine you do too.  I believe it is ours for the asking, because I believe it is what God intends for His children.

"Without 'an habitual vision of greatness', our soul will shrivel up and lose the capacity for beauty and mystery and transcendence."  ~ Richard Foster