Autumn or fall is my very favorite season, and it is finally upon us. This week a cold front hit the DC area and, looking out my window, I can see the leaves beginning to change and there is already a good collection of dead leaves on the ground (one of the few drawbacks of the season). I still remember that first time I realized the words “autumn” and “fall” are not used interchangeably throughout the world as they are here in the States. My mother explained that other parts of the world do not experience the great fall of leaves that we do here, and since the DC area is part of the largest deciduous forest in North America, we experience it quite a spectacular way. Soon everywhere I turn, I will see trees bursting forth in an array of autumnal colors.
While the change in temperature is welcomed and the colors are spectacular, they are only a small part of what makes this season my favorite. Fall has a way of rejuvenating my attitude, my food and my soul.
My Attitude:
By the end of summer, I start to feel drained. The brisk fall weather puts a spring back into my step. I want to leap and jump, rejuvenated with a lightheartedness. When I don my boots, my tights and my scarves, I do it with confidence knowing that fall fashion is the best of the whole year.
My Food
I’m ready to hunker down for the season and eat hearty soups and stews. I want to bake millions of pies and pumpkin breads. I want to serve spiced cider to children passing on the street and pass out gingerbread cookies to our neighbors (hopefully, not in a scary stalker way). Of course, if I did all of that cooking, my husband and I would have to be lifted by a crane out of our house. As my mother would say, “Everything in moderation.” Fortunately, fall is a time when we reap the benefits of the farmers’ harvests. Just because it’s no longer spring and summer doesn’t mean it’s time to ignore the farmers’ markets. There is still plenty to be found. This Friday, I’m preparing a family style fall supper for some close friends. Here’s hoping it’s sumptuous!
My Soul:
My husband often talks about feeling God’s presence when he is outside snowboarding in the winter. I feel a little bit of this during fall. I want to be outside all the time, observing God’s beauty in the world around us. It’s impossible not to think of this verse from “How Great Thou Art:”
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Additionally, I can’t help but reflect on my family and friends and all that I am thankful for on this earth, knowing God has given me all of those things.
~
This year, the fall brings even more things. It marks our first year wedding anniversary. It will be the first time my parents will spend Thanksgiving with us. One of my very best friends is getting married in just two and a half weeks. My husband and I will travel to Charleston to visit our dear friends. On top of all this, there are fall festivals and Halloween haunts. And as the winter approaches, it will be our first Christmas together with my family. So, join me in running down a trail lined with fallen leaves or sipping some delicious cider. Eat a gingerbread cookie or make some butternut squash soup. Pull out your boots and polish them off. It’s the greatest season, and you don’t want to miss a minute of it!