Way Too Soon!
“There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, AMP)
This just can’t be happening. It’s just the start of August! It’s way too soon to see signs of fall and yet as I sit here looking out over the mountain, I see the bright green foliage has turned a little drab and there are two trees that have actually changed to a reddish orange. It’s like nature got tired. How is this possible?
The same birds that hurried and scurried around building their nests have pushed out their babies and the yard is alive with younger, smaller feathered residents. They have been taught to fly, find food and fend for themselves.
The days are a little shorter now and mornings require a light weight jacket or sweater when I sit outside to do my devotions. (No, I don’t think it is just because I am a senior.)
I think nature has done its thing and provided great beauty and enjoyment for us but the deep, luscious greenery is starting to look more like military camouflage fatigues.
The beautiful flowers that were planted this spring are having a hard time holding up their heads. It is difficult to tell if they are too dry or too wet but they are starting to fail.
Do you ever have that same sense of tiredness? Has anyone told you, “You look pretty haggard?” We tend to run full throttle until we run out of gas and coast to a stop. Nature started out this summer season with gusto but then came the scorching heat day after day. That alone tends to wear a body down!
We are part of nature but God has provided us with intelligence. Unfortunately, we don’t always use it wisely. We keep pushing forward until we are exhausted, miserable and cranky and then, we push on just a little more. Why is it so difficult for us to take a rest and relax? Being idle for a while is not being lazy. Resting is vital for our health and it helps us put order back into our lives; especially if we spend that restful time with Jesus.
He has a way of making things seem right and He is willing to catch us as we coast to a stop.
Turn! Turn! Turn! with The Byrds
Father God, please help us enjoy the beauty of nature. What a wonderful gift You have provided. Keep us alert and be gentle as You nudge us to slow down and seek Your Presence. AMEN.