Monday, September 10, 2007

Autumn is coming ...

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Summer is breathing its last, friends. Fall will be blowing in before you know it. And with these changes, our household reflects on what is past and what is to come.
Mr. S said to me a week or so ago, "This has been a hard summer." And indeed it has. This summer has been full of crying out to God for the needs of many friends. It seems that I've seen pain in the eyes of so many of the dear ones God has blessed us with. Their pain sends its piercing arrow through my heart as well. I've heard it -- thinly veiled -- in their voices. It is hard sometimes not to ask God why -- but we know without reservation that He has a Plan. A perfect and just Plan.

This summer has been filled also, with wonderful family times. Times at the park, around the grill. Its been wonderful listening to my husband and daughter over the monitor -- he reading her favorite book "What shall we do with the Boo-hoo baby?"
She mooing and quacking and snoring when appropriate. Listening to this happiness, while I put the tea kettle on, or the coffee pot, knowing that when baby goes to bed, he will come downstairs and we will spend a wonderful evening together.

We have had wonderful times at PopPop and Nanna's house -- Lena being carried through the door, looking expectantly for Auntie Nee. Wonderful times at Pop and Grandma's house with all the cousins there too ... swinging and playing in the kiddie pool.

But these things are memories now, and we must move on to autumn, with its crisp breezes and spicy pumpkin smells. Mr.S is back in school, working so hard for his surveying degree. He works at work, works at school, and comes home with a smile, open arms and a listening ear. Wednesdays, Lena will see Daddy for a few minutes in the morning, but will go to bed without her favorite rendition of the Boo hoo baby (mine isn't as good, I fear!) Fridays into Saturdays will be hard, with Daddy not coming home from Friday morning to Saturday afternoon. We must find things to be thankful for -- family and friends that have offered their homes so that he doesn't have to make the 90 minute drive home between friday night and saturday morning classes. We miss him, but we are counting those weeks down. And oh - the joy of seeing Daddy on Saturday afternoon!!

We must look ahead to the opportunity to grieve for our friends who are in the arms of Jesus. We must focus on the joy they are experiencing now -- o death -where is thy sting?

We have come out of the summer more sober and reflective, but that is good at times, is it not?

My favorite time of the year is autumn. So, where is that apple cider mix? And oh- September is the month we got married, so look for a retelling of a "how we met" story in a couple of weeks.

9 comments:

Beka said...

This was such a beautiful post. Yes, it has been a hard summer, but our Father has taught us much through it.

Praying for your little family as you face these difficult weeks ahead. I'm so glad you're able to find ways to remain joyful even through this tough and busy time.

And autumn is my favorite time of year too! I can't wait 'till the weather starts feeling like fall!!

Gotta go... Ava is tearing the office apart! :-)

Andrea said...

I love Autumn, too. Can't wait for some brisk weather.
I pray you keep your good attitude as hubby has to do much work! I know it will be tough, but it seems like it will be a short time.

Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

It's my favorite time, too! This post was so good for my heart - expanding my borders so I may reflect on more than *me*.
Wishing I could sip a cup of cider with you - I have the most precious autumn village I will be rescuing from storage in a couple of weeks and posting on the bookshelves! So comforting and sure, these seasons He sends.

Maxine said...

Ah, yes. Autumn. You know how much I love it. I love this post. It is so appropriate. Somehow you are going on, but the sobriety and reflection you have noware indeed good things. Praying for you, and especially E. in the week ahead.

Sara said...

This was such a beautiful post Bev!

Anonymous said...

I love Autumn too - just the smell the air gets, the chill...

And I am very much looking forward to the "how we met" :-D

Mimi said...

I envy you ladies who live in the part of the country where you experience the season changes...
here we go from hot to not so hot... but very little change in the looks of the trees... the flowers do stop blooming but remain green foliage..
do I sound like I am complaining?
sorry did not mean to.
I pray for your little family as daddy studies for better days ahead!

gardenkeeper said...

Beverly, I came across your blog via Maxine's place :) She is a precious woman of God and I am so thankful to have come across her blog! now I have found a place just as precious to come and visit, HERE! Your little Selena Anne is simply adorable.

My deepest sympathies in the passing of your friends. I will keep their families in prayer...

TO BECOME said...

I am praying for you all. Hope Selena has a good time with you Mom while you are away. It may be a little hard for you but at least you know she is with your mama. I will pray all goes smoothly. connie from Texas