Autumn transforms the world into jewel-like colors, but they are a harbinger of winter to come. In the same way we prepare for winter, we need to prepare for the life to come. God’s word offers us the opportunity to do just that. But how faithful are we to share those truths with those around us? I’d love to hear your comments!
2MefromHim Devotionals
Autumn Transformation
Even the stork in the sky knows her appointed seasons, and the dove, the swift and the thrush observe the time of their migration. But my people do not know the requirements of the Lord. Jeremiah 8:7
Autumn brings transformation to the world. Brilliant shades of citrine and carnelian shine amidst the emerald and jade of evergreens. Our mountain transforms into a multi-hued paradise of jewel-tones before the first frost nips the leaves from the trees.
Squirrels visit my birdfeeders less often, their winter staples stored away. The hummingbirds leave and northern flickers return, as the deer and coyotes put on warmer coats. Signs of bear appear more often, searching for food to add weight for their long winter’s sleep.
Autumn winds bring bright showers of leaves, transforming branches to bony fingers pointing skyward. My ruby-colored geraniums will go dormant, relegated to the garage to await the coming of spring. All of nature prepares for the season of cold to come.
I scurry around like the squirrels to fill my freezer and pantry shelves. Summer clothes move to the back of the closet, while favorite sweaters and boots come out of hiding. Autumn change is everywhere.
As the sun moves south in its annual path, the days grow shorter, reminding me that life in this world is a fleeting season, too. Recent dreams of unsaved loved ones have awakened me in the early morn with prayers for open hearts and salvation. Like provision for winter, our preparation for the life to come cannot wait too long. No one knows the day or time when the call to leave this life and travel to the next might come, but come it will.
In Psalm 90, Moses says:
Our days may come to seventy years,
or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow,
for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
11 If only we knew the power of your anger!
Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
12 Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
In autumn, nature teaches us that life is uncertain, and preparation is wise. We must not fail in faithful prayers and remain alert to opportunities to share our certainty of eternal life. All will live eternally, but not all will go to paradise with its colors more lovely than autumn.
May the change of seasons warn us all to help loved ones prepare for eternity while time remains.
© Copyright by Norma Gail Thurston Holtman, October 19, 2017
Norma Gail’s debut contemporary Christian romance, Land of My Dreams, won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 41 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, you’re to follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
Beautifully written. Thank you for the walk along your paths and the reminder to be praying for loved ones. 🙂
God bless you, Marcie! Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for the beautiful devotional. Autumn is a beautiful time of the year.
You’re welcome, Marilyn! I appreciate your encouragement!
Beautiful word-pictures of the changes we all experience. It encourages us to know that God will be with us in any season of change. Thanks NormaGail. (previous comment failed.)
Thank you, April! God is so faithful in every season.