As Summer Leads the Way to Fall

I love the way the trees sway between the seasons…

How muggy nights mingle with a slight chill or how a firefly’s light fades as he waves goodbye one last time. I’m reminded there’s so much to let go of but even more to embrace as summer leads the way to fall.

Leading and receding

If you love every season like I do, it’s difficult to say so long to summer. Boating. Swimming. Picnics by the lake. Juicy watermelons.

But summer has a way of receding. One day, all is quiet. Peaceful and still. And then that same gentle breeze changes direction and rears up. It roars like a tornado and departs as a hurricane over warm waters.

The road to autumn

Maybe that’s nature’s way of saying, “Hold on to the warmth of those summer days,” as picturesque Autumn awaits her arrival. And we do, too. We fertilize our roses, rhododendrons, and azaleas one last time. We prune and refresh our gardens with cedar chips and then watch blushing pink dahlias mingle with black-eyed Susans and Echinaceas.

Two seasons, one way

Before long, they’ll all lie down to slumber through winter. I’m reminded of how God has set a time for everything, simple or complex. And how His hand moves through every hour as summer leads the way to fall.

There’s a time for everything… 

Ecclesiastes 3 ESV

The Giver of change

From blue skies to rain. Smooth, green leaves to amber-clothed trees; The way the Master Artist’s hand moves me with His fiery colors. The way only He can.

Reaping the harvest

The summer garden wanes, then fades away. Sweet aromas wafting in the air. Pumpkin everything. Everywhere. Vanilla swirl or honey-soaked apples fill the air.

Sowing seeds in the gatherings and unraked leaves

Smiles abound as children gather. Slow sips of warmed cider. Sweet scents of roasted marshmallows. Kids sitting by Granddad’s roaring campfire. A million twigs crumble under little boy feet.

The constant crunch of unraked leaves. Chipmunks, does, bucks, and fawns rummaging for a bite of crab apple near the forest’s edge.

Lead the way

A crimson sunset. No bugs, slugs, or spiders.

The rush of warmth from a fire’s promising glow or a cashmere throw. Lots of soup. Suede boots. Sweaters. Crochet scarves. Flannel sheets. Savory eats.

I look forward to it all and love the newness of each day as summer leads the way to fall.

 

Special thanks to Pixabay for use of all free images. Feature Image by j plenio, #1 qimono , #2  Foto-RaBe, #3 rmt.