Stop, Autumn Is On Its Way

Where is the life we have lost in living?

Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Where is the knowledge we lost in information?

T.S. Eliot

Autumn is by far my favorite time of year. I know it's not here yet. In Mississippi it may not arrive until November! But I'm ready. I live for a chill in the air, colored leaves, tailgating, the smell of burning wood, hot coffee, long walks, and our annual trip to New England. But most importantly for me, autumn invites reflection. The creation speaks: "Stop, look, listen." It says, "Think carefully about the paths you choose." It declares, "It's not about you. It's about something beautiful, glorious, breath-taking, and overwhelming." Re-evaluate, embrace what is important, go a different direction. Stand up to the tyranny of busyness and tune out the techno-clutter. The heavens are telling the glory of God! Do you hear it? How will you respond? Which path will you take?

Hear the Psalmist:

The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
[2] Day to day pours forth speech,
And night to night reveals knowledge.
[3] There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
[4] Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their utterances to the end of the world (Psalm 19:1-4).

Hear Anne Bradstreet, America's first English speaking poet:

Sometime now past in the Autumnal Tide,
When Phoebus [the sun] wanted but one hour to bed,
The trees all richly clad, yet void of pride,
Were gilded o're by his rich golden head.
Their leaves and fruits seem'd painted but was true
Of green, of red, of yellow, mixed hew,
Rapt were my senses at this delectable view.
I wist not what to wish, yet sure thought I,
If so much excellence abide below,
How excellent is he that dwells on high?

Finally, hear John Donne:

"In Heaven, it is always Autumn; God's mercies are ever in maturity."