When you saw the leaves in my garden what did you first think? That’s a lot of raking up, or that looks beautiful and fun? I love Autumn, it’s my favourite time of year and I think the most beautiful with those different colours in the trees.
I’ll share with you a secret, recently when I read “The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!" Isaiah 55:12 I smiled when I imagined the trees so full of joy, at how beautiful God had made them. That they couldn’t contain all the excitement, so all their leaves fell off with all the clapping of their hands! (winking smilie insert!)
(# see end) Even looking at verses in a light hearted, humorous but still respectful way I think is good, as it helps me to remember verses and think more about them.
I think we should take more examples from dogs, learning to enjoy the simple things in that small moment in time. Not worrying about bills to be paid, or stuff to do but take time out and marvel at God’s creation. Life can be hard and everything can seem overwhelming at times. If we remember that God created complex humans, the mountains and the trees - we then realise if He made all creation then he can deal with ALL of our problems – that small, large, impossible, annoying, nagging problem.
Hamish loves playing, he has to jump in every puddle. He has taught me to enjoy ‘in the moment’ things. If I see a pile of leaves on a walk, I just love kicking them, playing in them, even picking up a lovely shade of red leaf (my favourite).
There are always things in life that comes along, that are hard or difficult. That’s why it’s even more important to look for, and take pleasure in the everyday moments. I say look for, as sometimes we just see the negative in things – leaves that need raked up. God created those autumn colours for you, he picked those shades of red and gold.
You tell your children ‘great job with painting that picture’. When was the last time you thanked God for his stunning, beautiful handiwork? Just praising Him, without a laundry list of prayer requests?
Take a moment out and go kick some leaves, put your ‘wellies’ on and jump in a puddle or find a beautiful leaf.
"But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, 'The Lord is great!'"
Psalm 40:16