Seasons and Fall Leaves

The concept of seasons has been on my mind recently and how God speaks to us through the created seasons to spiritual seasons and truths in our lives.

I have swept up the floor in my kitchen three days in a row this week. They were really cleaned and washed Thursday and had leaf bits and pine needles due to fall all over the following three days. It's kind of annoying in this season. 

But just last season I was so so grateful for the very same trees now dirtying my floor that gave me cooler temperatures and shade in the heat of summer.  The leaves brought beautiful shade. They're also really pretty with the fall color. 

I know when summer comes around again I would much rather have them there than not deal with a few weeks of extra cleanup. 

I was thinking spiritually how that is so true- something we love and enjoyed in one season becomes an annoyance in the now. I think it's just part of the cycle, it will come around again and be back as something we are grateful for, can celebrate and learn from if creation teaches me anything.

It's a reminder not to make huge decisions regarding a temporary annoyance and Rob ourselves of future blessings from that same thing. 

Coin Collector

I love collecting things. I have a problem. I saw a post on Pinterest about coins that are really valuable online the other day, and this thought has been taking over ...

What makes the coins shown so valuable is that they are different. They don't look like all the other ones. That sets them apart. Unique... Different... It gives them more value.

I'm so guilty of wanting to blend in- to mute or soften or cover up the things that make me different and unique in order to be the same as everyone else. 

The coin post has become a reminder to me to love how God has made each of us differently to stand out. Even when it seems like what people would call a "flaw", it brings value and glory to him. 

Instead of muting my enthusiasm or joy, let me use them. They are of value. 

Sabbath Compost

My word for 2023 is (drum rollllllll)...

garden! I am here for it. I love it. Usually I am excited about my word except when the word is patience, then I was less enthused. Regardless, garden is on my mind for the year. God is the ultimate gardener. There is SOOO much that goes into having a good garden. Planting, weeding, pruning, watering, weeding some more, the weather, dealing with pests, nutrient levels, seed saving, and even more weeds that always need to be dealt with. 

I've also been really trying to incorporate sabbath and rest into my life. God set up a plan for us to have weekly sabbath, and for us and the land to have a yearly sabbath every seven years. There's something to be said about the fact that we are not machines nor are the rest of God's creation. We and it were not made to keep going and going and going without a break. Thank you Lord!

When we do try to keep going, we deplete ourselves. We, like the plants, are sucking and using up the available nutrients until they run out and can no longer support the life we are trying to maintain.  

Sabbath is like compost. It is like mixing in fresh new life and nutrients to the areas that have been depleted. It isn't an instant fix, but as compost continues to be mixed in and continues breaking down more nutrients become available. It's about balancing the mix of work and rest because both are necessary to keeping going and thriving. You can't have too much compost either or that will cause problems as well. 

Part of being stewards of our bodies and creation is taking care of them for the long run. We want the land to continue to produce and be healthy long after we are gone; not to use it and move on when we have gotten our fill. 

The cool thing is that I've seen the small sabbath Compost investments in my life add up over time to make bigger and healthier changes. I see myself becoming more patient. More compassionate and empathetic. Less selfish. I'm still very selfish mind you, just some baby steps happening. 

Give it a try! Mix those nutrients back into your spirit.