There are so many reasons I love this time of year–it’s hard to choose, but here are my top five:
- Pumpkins Who knew there were white pumpkins and bumpy pumpkins and sorta-blue pumpkins and well, all manner of heirloom squash family members?? God’s creativity abounds in the gourd department, no? The displays at Trader Joe’s and elsewhere are a delight for the eyes. (But no Pumpkin Spice anything. Sorry Starbucks. And sorry, Hostess. Pumpkin Spice Twinkies? Um, no.)
2. Half-a-pie moons in the night sky, crisp, clear mornings. Dew on the leaves in the garden.
Purple asters, full, ripe raspberries, colors beginning to creep up the foliage in the Japanese Stewartia.
The world is getting ready to sleep.
I praise God for the way He speaks to us in creation. As nature is cycling through her seasons, the picture outside my window sends a visual message that murmurs just below the surface: I need to s l o w down. The waning hours of daylight are a subtle hint.
From Websters, ‘Dormant’–asleep or inactive, latent but capable of being activated. From biology, a relatively inactive or resting condition in which some processes are slowed down or suspended. It is good to not always be in a hurry, the world whizzes by fast enough as it is. Tarrying awhile inside or out helps us to see that while we sleep God is still at work. Capable of being activated.
3. Cool nights mean fragrant candles, warm socks, and cozy fires.
There are fewer hours of daylight, forcing us inside to rest and redraw boundaries. Again the period of dormancy and slumber outside provides a reflective way to re-center ourselves physically. While my nature is to please everyone and Do All the Things that people ask of me, the natural environment moves me to a mental and spiritual process of gathering myself in. I’m grateful for the natural slowing down of Autumn when we’re inside more and attentive to the quiet. This posture leaves me more margin in my life to say ‘yes’ to God and what He’s called me to do, instead of overextending myself when I shouldn’t.
4. Cooking, Baking = Creativity.
We’ve had some humdinger, hot summers in Seattle the last couple of years and the last place I’ve wanted to be is in the kitchen. Now that the days are much cooler, I relish the chance to return to cooking and baking, especially on Sunday. That probably sounds odd, but it’s how I sabbath in the Fall. Rest to me looks like creativity–make something or organize something. I spend most of my days working with words, which requires a lot of attention to this old brain. Working with my hands leaves my mind free to process, another way to build white space and margin into my days. Plus, banana bread. It’s a win-win.
My daughter Leah and I in the kitchen. A very long time ago. (I mean, look at the floor. Can we talk about the floor?)
5. Fresh Starts
Rosh Hashanah–When I taught in Hebrew school several years ago I welcomed the immersion into Jewish practices surrounding the beginning of the year. Rosh Hashanah literally means ‘the Head of the Year’ and signals the beginning of the Jewish New Year. How interesting that this head of the year coincides with the first day of school, a time for new beginnings, no matter whether it’s Kindergarten or college. When I read back through my journals each year I find a record of God bringing the most dramatic changes in my life in each successive September. As a Christian I love the way God weaves the Hebrew festivals into our New Testament understanding of Scripture. Our lives as believers in Messiah Jesus are a reflection of the type and shadow of those festivals God gave His people from the very beginning. I love being part of that. 
You can find out more about Rosh Hashanah here.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that God has set eternity in our hearts. I think that’s why we sense God’s call to us, soul-deep, in this season. How about you? What are your favorite things about Fall? I’d love to hear in the comments. And as always, If you’ve liked this post, would you consider sharing it with a friend? Email, Facebook, Twitter buttons are right down below. Thank you ever so much!
I love fall. I love seasonal reviews like this. You know that. I like learning about what speaks to you. Thanks for sharing.
Natalie, you are an inspiration to be a “notice-er”, too. Your lists have always been a joy to read.
I, too, love candle glow, cozy socks, and a crackling fire. Also, the fresh crispness in the air as the humidity of summer finally dissipates. And the golden leaf showers from the backyard trees are mesmerizing. The buckeye (I think) leaves in particular twirl like pinwheels as they fall. Each season gives us different ways to experience God’s goodness and artistry. Talk about creativity!
Nancy, it sounds like you’ve a lovely view to nature from your back yard. I would love to see a buckeye someday–yes, God is so creative!
We do, indeed enjoy a lovely view from our deck. SO grateful for this spot God gave us in retirement! As for buckeyes: it’s just an oversized, dark brown, inedible nut (although the squirrels seem to enjoy them). Should you have occasion to come East, take in the Appalachian Mountains when the leaves are at their peak. Now THERE’S a view to take your breath away!
Oh, Nancy, I think God made squirrels just to delight us, eh? And I DO dream of coming to visit the Appalachian mountains some day. That would be a sight, indeed.
You had me at the photo of dew on the Lady’s Mantle. I love the way water beads on those leaves. I will walk outside to view mine presently, in hopes of sparkles.
And I love the candle shot. For me, lighting the beeswax candles again during my morning quiet and at dinner is a seasonal joy, book-ending my day with the loving labor of bees.
O, and cider. And doughnut holes (if I’m feeling free).
Thanks for writing about Rosh Hashanah. I’d been thinking about that last week and was glad to read more about it.
Lady’s mantle is a lovely green plant, yes? Ohhhh, donut holes. And apple cider. How could I forget that?