Funny how two people can look at the very same thing and see it so differently. My daughter-in-law and I were discussing October last weekend and she said, "I hate autumn. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it." Hate is such strong word so I asked her why. Her answer: Everything is dying. My flowers are dying. The leaves are dying. The grass is dying. The birds are leaving. Everything is going away. And there's nothing good coming for a long time.
Gosh, and here I thought that autumn was my favorite season — always have, but when it's put that way.
There's a storm coming our way. It'll rip a lot more leaves from the trees and we'll be left with a starkness not seen since last year. Good thing I know that, even though winter will come, spring will follow and this ages-old cycle will continue long past my time on this earth. We can count on a few things, after all.
I'm counting on the season in my own life to pass. I've had enough of it quite frankly. I'm looking forward to some changes and soon. It feels as if a winter of unrest, lack, and chill has been around far too long. Yes, it is time for a change.
Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don't give up.
~ Anne Lamott
I don't know how old your daughter-in-law is, but I remember feeling the same way when I was younger. I cried the first year I planted and had a very successful garden only to go out one morning and find that a hard frost had killed everything. As I added years to my life, I began to see that cycle of life in the seasons and loved autumn. I love each season now and think of them as God's promise to us. Spring is birth/renewal; summer depicts the years that we're on our own with children - the working years; autumn is the time we have gained some wisdom and are, perhaps, retired; and winter is the later years and then death to this early life. Thankfully, God has promised us that renewal in heaven...and life goes on...new births on earth and the faith that something wonderful is waiting for us with HIM! (I didn't mean to preach here, but I'm in that autumn of life and it all seems so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteFabulous and apt quote, Vee. Me too.
ReplyDeleteAbout Autumn - which I love too - there is a profound difference between what we see with our eyes, and what we feel in our hearts, and for me..... well, I love the last flourish of colour, and I know the spring will bring new birth, but it is time to draw close, and cuddle and light fires, and celebrate the inside of our homes and the people in them, as the days grow dark. The light is from within now - and you have Thanksgiving coming up soon too, which is the perfect culmination of the season. Well, that is how I see it!
I meant earthly not early life.
ReplyDeleteDiane, oh how "early" life makes it all so much more hopeful, though...
ReplyDeleteNew Hope, New life....comes after hard times. We are looking forward to good things a'coming! For all of us.
ReplyDeleteBecky K.
Wow, your poor daughter-in-law. She's really sunk into the 'ugg-ness' of late Fall. It's there, that 'ugg-ness.' No need to sip sugar water, and deny it. :-)
ReplyDeleteBut that's why I like to really pay attention to the Natural Changes of the Seasons. It adds a 'spoonful of sugar' to the bitter things. And of course, all of life is made up of bitter and sweet.
All the Universe, shows the great and the not so great happenings. Stars shine. Stars die. Etc.
Plus, I think when one believes that This Is It, For Me.... I'm never looking at a future Reward somewhere. I'm noticing, savoring "Now".
Just sneaking my view in here, among all the others. :-) You can leave it here, or not. It's your blog.
Gentle hugs...
Just think how boring life would be without the different seasons. God knew what he was doing. Yes, we have our favorites but each one brings it's own uniqueness.
ReplyDeleteThis is certainly my least favorite season...but I love life so I am always making the best of each day. I have gone through seasons of change ...times that you would just like to skip, but life IS change and that's all we can be sure of. Hugs to you, dear friend. Take care!
ReplyDeleteAunt Amelia, if I were to think the way you do, I'd leap from the highest bridge because if this is ALL there is, it is NOT enough. On the other hand, I really like that you are looking for the blessing in the "now."
ReplyDeleteG'morn, AA ~ I hope she will take a peek at this ~
ReplyDeleteAutumn is such a beautiful season as it brings forth such beauty painted on our landscapes with God's brush, as the earth prepares to rest, the colorful leaves falling to cover the ground, nestling the precious seeds that will be nurtured with the loving white wet snows, to bring forth the seedlings in the spring as they profusely, once again, share a breathtaking palette of colors to enjoy, in the warmth of summers.
Have a beautiful weekend ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon
I love autumn too and we've been having such a pretty one so far. Winter is another subject. Living in the Midwest we have to contend with such a long one. I love the quote. Hope and don't give up - yes!
ReplyDeleteTrue, things are dying at this time of year, but how spectacular it all looks. Though winter is my least favorite season I'm glad for all the seasons. We would not appreciate each one without the other.
ReplyDeleteI thank God for each one. He sure has given us a beautiful world. :-)
Vee, I remember the last time you were feeling this restless a-change-is-a-coming-I-don't-what-it-is-but-it's-coming! You ran off and got married!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine what's coming next.
I love fall and the change of the season. I welcome it all, even winter. Once upon a time I lived in a place of warmth and never-ending days of sunshine. I thought I'd go mad from the boringness of it all.
This time, I'm thinking more about November 2, Suzanne, and praying that it'll bring some relief for all those of us who are trying to hold onto our homes, pay the bills, or put gasoline in the car...forget about taking our medicine, visiting a doctor or finding a job.
ReplyDeleteIt's been winter in my life for all too long as well. I'm longing for change and I think I can see it slowly peeking around the corner.
ReplyDeleteHope is a wonderful thing - and it's great to have hope that spring will come, but even greater to have eternal hope. Meanwhile, I forge on with the life given to me, seeking to take joy in the moments and gifts our good God gives.
I hope your season of winter turns soon.
Autumn is my favorite time of year. I always feel God is putting on quite a show before we get into the black, white, grays of winter.
ReplyDeleteHowever, autumn always depressed my mother. She also saw it as everything dying and became quite melancholic this time of year.
I just posted some pictures I took yesterday evening. It seems the brilliant color happened overnight and it is going quickly.
And just think how boring it would be if it were spring or summer all the time. Vee, after I got so sick a couple of years ago, I dreaded winter and Jan & Feb the most (because that's when the bottom fell out). I'm trying to look forward to this season of winter and find the goody and perhaps plan something extra special to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteEvery spring I think it's my favorite season, and every fall I think the same thing. I love what Linda said about drawing close, and cuddling, and lighting the fires and being with loved ones.
And I'm so thankful to know that this is NOT all there is. And the older I get and the more troublesome & burdensome life becomes that someday there'll be nothing but peace, joy and beauty with our Lord in His heaven.
So cuddle, draw your loved ones close and enjoy this season of being thankful and joyous!
OR Move to Texas and be my neighbor & friend! You'll like it down here - sunny and warm and almost NO snow!
I am sure you are ready for a new season Vee and my prayer is that it will come soon./
ReplyDeleteTo me, autumn is a season of glorious colors making a grand exit before a time of slowing down and nesting at home. Of lazy evenings snuggled up reading a good book or watching a movie. Of sipping something hot while playing a board game. Soup simmering on the stove. We take long walks through the crunchy leaves in the fall, savoring the beautiful crisp air, knowing that before long snow and cold will keep us indoors most of the time. Each season has its own delights and I enjoy them all. Autumn just happens to be my particular favorite with all the wonderful colors, even if they are short-lived.
ReplyDeleteLoved the quote. That is exactly what I've told my children when they have gone through hardships in their lives. Never lose hope and never give up.
I saw your comment about Nov. 2. I agree wholeheartedly!!
Wishing you a better season, Vee! Hang in there.
Hugs,
Cheryl
it is interesting to see things through
ReplyDeleteanother person's eyes or to walk a
mile in their shoes.
i pray this tough season passes for you.
too.
blessings,
lea
ps. brazil
I love the conversations you share Vee, I also was blessed by your thoughts on the seasons changing, comparing it to life. How true! beautiful quote.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be a boring world if we all loved the same things even the changing of seasons. lol As for me I love fall best.
As the voice of experience speaking I know of many times when I thought my seasons would not change,(even recently) and have wondered if it would pass, but they did, and I found sweet relief. I am so thankful for the faithfulness of God.
Much prayers going your way today.
Hugs,
Sue
I've always looked forward to each season, because each has something wonderful to bring. I hope your daughter-in-law will discover that, too.
ReplyDeleteLife's seasons are a different matter entirely, and some I dread. But like the seasons of the year, each passes in its own time, leaving an imprint on our soul. Praying that God will give you the strength you need for the rest of this season.
I do enjoy autumn for it has a glory all its own--the brilliant leaves, and crysanthymums and pansies and pumpkins! It's winter that I dread with the bareness and icy fingers! I miss my outdoor time sitting on the porch!
ReplyDeleteI'll be looking forward to Spring and Summer by January for sure! After the holidays is when it hits me!
Just reading your post and your dear friends' encouragement to you, I see great blessing and fruitfulness here. You are flourishing in this season of life, whether you realize it or not; no matter how difficult or obscure it may appear to you. Dear Vee, your home, your life, your acquaintances, all are blessed because of you. Take heart. God is always at work, creating, creating, preparing for what is ahead. Under ground, beneath the howling winds, unmoved and unscathed by the snow, God is protecting His creation until that great reveal! Growth is taking place within the seed; all that is needed for future nutrition, God is supplying through the dark hours of winter. You may not see it on the surface, but God's handiwork is furiously, unceasingly working out His plan for your good. Be confident that with Him, nothing changes, summer, winter, springtime, harvest...He is in control of it all.
ReplyDeleteThis season in your life will truly pass. I remember sitting in the middle of the dark and dank jungle, removed from any other friend to talk to (except my sweet and patient husband,) but I longed for a human friend. But God was there. Those days, those weeks and months dragged by and I thought, "I'm going to rot here and no one will ever know." And then, I pitied myself, and thought, "No one will even care." How quickly my thinking turned from God's faithfulness towards my own perceived need. And here I am today.
I'm so blessed by your openness. You are such a gem! Don't give up or give in! We're with you!
Hang in there...the storm always passes! May you find delights in this season...and hope for the next.
ReplyDeleteI think I like autumn much more now than I once did...so maybe I can see a bit where you DIL is coming from.
I have never heard anyone discribe autumn in that way. To me it's the most beautiful season on earth. Now winter, well that's another story.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in Maine, as much as I had always loved fall, I came to dread it because it meant winter was close at hand. The winters were too long and too cold for this Georgia girl! I became depressed every winter. Now I realize part of the reason is I have SADD. Having four young children cooped up in the house with me might have had an effect. For now, I'm enjoying this fall and look forward to sitting by the fireplace in the new house and seeing the snow fall through these window walls.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI removed that comment due to the glaring mispelling..lol
ReplyDeleteHer eit is again:
This was very retrospective writings, Vee.
I LOVE autumn! True the cycle of life is in the end stages but we know that there will be the promise of rebirth in Spring. The beauty of Thanksgiving and Christmas awaits and event he dark silent snowy days of winter has its comforts. It is time to work hard to keep gratitude for our blessings in our hearts and homes.
I would not like to live in a place without seasons. There is a rhythm of life in them and a good reminder that all things pass and all things renew.
My dear Vee,
ReplyDeletePlease explain to her that the earth is simply renewing itself, feeding itself with the riches of fallen leaves and flowers. A time of rest, of fresh snow percing into the soil.
With love,
Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island
P.S. Howling winds, driving rain and WE'RE running between the cottage and the car. What a mess we're in.
I am one to welcome change of seasons. I don't see it as something dying but as an opportunity for something new to bloom where I can experience the appreciation and wonder all over again come spring.
ReplyDeleteHere's to hoping you have a quiet happy weekend!
Autumn is still my favourite season ... although I can understand your daughter's point of view. As much as I complain about the cold and gray days in winter, I secretly love the chance to rest and renew.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend, Vee! I hope good things are coming your way.
xo,
Lynda
I am with you on autumn. It seems so many of us love it, those of us in the autumn of our years perhaps?
ReplyDeleteDear Vee,
ReplyDeleteOdd you should post about this. I love fall and my husband hates it. I can understand why he does... both his parents died in the fall, his dad when he was in HS and his mom when he was 19. The other family members wanted to sell the house right away and kicked them out so they could get it listed. All the siblings houses were conveniently too small to take them in so one kind sister helped him get an apartment. I don't know how he survived taking care of a 16 yr old sister with a mind of her own. I guess he has a right to hate fall. It's always been a conflict of me loving fall and him hating it but one I understand.
Great topic Vee!!
Big hugs, Sherry
I pray that this season passes for you as well, dear Vee. It's amazing the many seasons we go through as time goes by. Some are good, but often we have seasons that are the worst of our lives. Attitude affects my seasons often. Your DIL expressed my autumn (season) last year and this year is the most wonderful ever. You are strong Vee, and I know this will pass for you.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend,
Jen
Hello Vee, I think you got the storm much worse than we did. I love what you wrote, especially the part about the winter of unrest, lack and chill being around far too long. I feel that so much too. Yet, just like the deadness of Fall and the cold winter, life seems to be pruning the dead things away to make room for change. I feel that the adversity of life clears away the unnecessary bits and gets to the heart of things.
ReplyDeleteHope you get your service renewed soon. Love that quote Vee.
Karen