Fall is an excellent reminder of the beauty that exists with change and the inevitable necessity of dying in order for renewal. Change can often feel threatening and terrifying because the unknown is involved. Or it can create anticipation and energy for what is to come.

Excitedly and impatiently, I await autumn—

• the crisp, cool air that overtakes the smothering humid heat from summer

• the marvelous artwork that bursts forth in brilliant colors replacing the monotonous singular hue of green

• bonfires that gather families/friends together to enjoy the evening skies and swap stories

• children adorning themselves in their favorite costumes and receiving candy for their night of make believe

• a season of Thanksgiving where we offer thanks for all we should have been remembering year around

• pumpkin patches, pumpkin doughnuts and lattes, pumpkin cookies and pies, roasted pumpkin seeds, basically everything pumpkin and spice!

Fall over and over reminds me that change can be beautifully blessed and necessary for growth. And it can be welcomed with anticipation and intrigue as we embrace the appeal of each season, recognizing the importance of turning points and equipping ourselves with the proper perspective. Sometimes we might be tempted to meet change with an obstinate, stubborn attitude to remain where one is or to allow it to paralyze us as we focus on the what-if’s, fears, and obstacles in our paths.

However, there is another way to meet change — By adjusting your perspective to whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy! My daughter takes a lot of science classes; she’s brilliant (I’m not biased at all). Recently, she shared that in her Health Fitness class that the teacher discussed the scientific evidence for the mindset of thankfulness being beneficial to our health. Wow! Ironically, God’s Word tells us to do this quite often. There should be no surprise that our Creator would establish a principle that leads to well-being.

Our mindset has the power to completely alter our thoughts, creating a proper perspective to meet change head-on. And in so doing, we are inspired to embrace the present moment, along with its changes, as something that has a potential purpose we cannot see currently, and yet is necessary to address the rest of our story. We need to lean into change, accepting the fact that each of our stories includes:

• ups and downs

• stagnancy and movement

• contentment and restlessness

• speed-ups and slow-downs

• victories and defeats

• mountains and valleys

Each of our journeys are full of dichotomies (read Ecclesiastes) — but one thing remains the same for me
— the steadfast compassion and love of my Lord who works all things toward our good – which in itself is a beauty that is a complete mystery and miracle. Embrace the changing seasons in your own life with a spirit of awe, inspiration, and thankfulness.