The geese are flying. The leaves are changing. The nights are cooler. The daylight is a little less. Yes, in deed, Fall is here. Fall is a beautiful season, but kind of “in-between”. In between the glories of summer and the gusts of winter. During Fall we recall the sunny, hazy, lazy days of summer. A lighter load, slower pace, smaller scope of things to do. We marvel at the beautiful flower beds, crisp water scenes, longer days and warmer nights. Then, in the in between, we also think about winter. For those into sports - skies and ski dos come out. Those not into these begin to get their reading list ready and their “trip down south” plans set. Fall really is in between.
What do you do with the “in between’s” ? Those in between times in your spiritual life I mean. Those times in between the glorious “summers” and the gloomy “winters” that come into all our lives. Those seasons when everything is a blessing and those moments when life is a burden.
One things I like about Fall is the time to ponder, pray and prepare that the “in between” affords. To ponder the glories that God has put into my life (family, friends, faith). To pray over the glooms that gust through my life (sadness, sickness, struggle). Praying for the strength in the “in between” to appreciate the one and get through the other. Jesus did the same. Scripture tells us that several times in His ministry He “withdrew to a place by Himself”. He wanted an “in between” moment. It is ok for us to want one too. Christ took the inbetween as a moment to reflect upon the Father’s will, to ensure that His mission was on track and that his priorities were in balance. He also took the time to pray for those who were on the journey with Him. What a great use of the “in between”.
So enjoy the Fall. It is in between. Take it in. Ponder, Prepare, Pray. Bask in those summer glories. Batten down for those winter glooms. Rejoice - a new season is here !