You expected to be sad in the fall. Part of you died each year when the leaves fell from the trees and their branches were bare against the wind and the cold, wintery light. But you knew there would always be the spring, as you knew the river would flow again after it was frozen. When the cold rains kept on and killed the spring, it was as though a young person died for no reason. 

― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

I believe if football was not played in autumn it might be my least favorite time of the year.

For some folks, it’s also the time to prepare for the long winter ahead. It’s like God gives us autumn as a warning that cold weather lies ahead with the leaves falling and everything outside looking like it’s dead. 

Today we have it pretty good. We prepare for winter by checking on our furnace and making sure our homes and vehicles are winterized. We might buy a new winter coat. Homesteaders had to cut wood for several months, and they also had to hunt and fish to have food stocked up for the winter months.

We might stock up on food from the local grocery store if we hear about a storm coming, but shoveling the snow off the sidewalks is about the toughest part of winter around my home.

In Matthew 24-44 we learn that we should always be prepared for God’s return: “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

We should try every day to live and abide by God’s word so that when he returns, we’ll hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21)

Have a great week!

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