If spring is considered the season of rebirth, then fall should be regarded as the season of change.
Each season, in fact, displays its own reminder of God’s faithfulness and creativity. So it is with fall. Let’s revel in what is soon to await us.
I say “soon” because, despite the fact that the calendar has systematically reminded us that September has dawned and that Labor Day’s “last day of summer” was yesterday, the actual beginning of autumn this year is Sept. 23.
As the weather cools and the leaves change color, we have the chance to contemplate how God – in like fashion – can change us and shape us according to his will. How wonderful it would be for us all to seek the transformative power of God’s spirit in our lives, as Psalm 51:10 says: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Imagine. The old ways would shrivel up and fall away, soon to flutter to the ground. And we would know all the while that as we’re transformed in this fashion in this time frame, there’s still the season of rebirth to follow.
Yes, to embrace this season of change, let us allow God to prune away the dead branches and leaves, making room for the coming new growth and new life. Let us allow him to alter us from the inside out, molding us into the image of his son. Remember Romans 12:1-2, which urges us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice and to be transformed – to be changed – by the renewing of our minds.
Let us trust in his faithfulness and his goodness, knowing that he has a plan for our lives and will guide us every step of the way.
Nature, with its splendid fall vistas, imparts a valuable lesson. Change can be breathtakingly beautiful if we only allow it to unfold. Like leaves shedding their old identities to reveal fresh vibrant colors, we too can shed our old habits and limitations to reveal the true essence of who we are meant to be.
Consider the trees, once laden with the load of their timeworn foliage. When they let go and release, they not only make space for new growth but also become more resilient in the face of adversity. The winds of change may blow, but the trees stand firm, rooted in the nourishing soil of their convictions.
As the days of autumn grow shorter and darkness encroaches upon the light, it’s essential to remember that change often comes with its own set of challenges. Just as autumn’s chill replaces the warmth of summer, we may encounter discomfort and uncertainty when we choose to allow God to transform us. But it’s precisely in these moments of uneasiness that our characters are forged and our spirits refined.
We can choose to welcome change with open arms, believing in God’s plan, or we can resist it, fearing the unknown.
Indeed, while navigating this season of transition, we must remember that change is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey. It’s an ongoing process that allows us to become more aligned with our purpose, more attuned to our inner calling and more connected to the divine.
So, let’s savor the crispness of the autumn air and marvel at the beauty of nature’s transformation – and also accept the refurbishing within ourselves. Let us trust in the creator’s wisdom and have faith that, just as the seasons shift without fail, so too can we evolve according to his divine plan.
As we stand on the threshold of autumn, as we watch the leaves drift down and feel the cool breeze, let us step into this season of change with courage, gratitude and a heart open to the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.
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Sallie Rose Hollis lives in Ruston and retired from Louisiana Tech as an associate professor of journalism and the assistant director of the News Bureau. She can be contacted at sallierose@mail.com.
