It’s been a long while – too long a while – since I posted on my blog. Summer is an easy time to be distracted by other things – the slower pace, the gorgeous weather, books to read, movies to see, ice coffees to be sipped. And I fully admit to having spent a season of distraction.

But today is September first. September means the beginning of fall (I know it doesn’t officially begin until late in the month!). All the stores are suddenly stocking sweaters and boots and scarves. The decor sections are festooned with golden and burnt orange and crimson leaves. There are back-to-school supplies EVERYWHERE.

The season is changing. Fall has always held a special place in my heart. There is something a little sad, and a whole lot beautiful about this season. There is a wistfulness in the loss of Summer and the approach of winter. There is a glory in the colors that explode on the trees and the bounty of harvest as all becomes ripe for the feast.

The truth is – every season has its beauty, it’s gifts, if one will open their eyes to see them.

I love what Nichole Nordman sings in her song, Every Season: “Still, I notice You when change begins, and I am braced for colder winds…”

The “You,” of course, is God. And if we would open our eyes – He is indeed all around. Present in every season. Palpable in the beauty of creation, unmistakable in times of joy, consoling in times of loss, sometimes silent in times of struggle, but always, always, always WITH US.

So as the season changes, I pray that you and I will open our eyes. That we will see God all around us. That our hearts might be strengthened and our faith deepened by all places that we notice Him.

I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.
Psalm 139:7-16 NLT