Perfectly Planned - Autumn

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven..."  

Ecclesiastes 3:1

The warm sun shone brightly through the windshield, soft melodic sounds of classical strings streamed from the radio, beautiful autumn-colored leaves made their descent through the air...here I was peacefully driving along the back roads taking it all in. I might add, at my favorite slow-paced, relaxing speed of 45mph. On a funny note, other drivers DID NOT share my joy or the speed in which I expressed it. Proved by the constant stream of cars in the passing lane. However, this was one of those days in which I could've traveled on at that leisurely pace until the last drop of gasoline in the tank had been sucked dry. That, my friend, sounded like the perfect plan. 

I love autumn. It's my favorite season. It's rich colors, the crisp, crackling sounds of leaves underfoot as you enjoy a short walk with friends and family, the nippy feeling of cooler temperatures outside, the smells of fire pits, pumpkin and spices, the taste of S'mores around a campfire or sweet treats baking in the oven...it seems the perfect time to slow down and enjoy life to the fullest. To unwind. To rest.

Autumn follows a hot, busy summertime so we almost welcome it with open arms as we ready ourselves for Mr. Winter who is waiting quietly just around the corner. We embrace the changes. God designed it this way. Safe to say, "It was perfectly planned."

God blesses us with different seasons in our lives because, as much as some of us hate change, we need them. If you're like me, life can get really busy and hectic and there are days when I just need to take a "time out". Yes, on those days, I, and those blessed (or not so) to be around me, will readily admit I NEED a time out! Why do we get so wrapped up in the cares of life and let them overwhelm us so? There always seems to be "one more thing" we need to do before turning in, before sitting down to rest, before spending time with someone special, before...until we find ourselves running on fumes. Pure exhaustion.

Hello Autumn! There is a purpose for each season we go through. In this one, let's commit to slow down and enjoy each day for exactly what it is: a gift from God. Enjoy the journey...that phrase keeps popping up everywhere I turn. It's so true though. Let's invite this season into our lives with joy and thanksgiving, with a mind set that no matter what we're going through, this season...it was perfectly planned. Enjoy the blessings it brings and its God-given beauty.

It was perfectly planned by He who cannot make a mistake, who cannot lie and whose promises are forever settled in Heaven. Let's rest in knowing that. Enjoy His presence and what each day looks like. Enjoy the gift of time, "time out" and the presence of one another. No matter what any given day may bring, let's choose to slow down just a bit and find something beautiful in each, as well as in each other. This season...it's been "perfectly planned" just for us.  Blessings~