renewal in preparing for sleep

Fall creates new feelings in our home. It is a time of watching the world preparing for "a long winter's nap". The fall traditions that renew our spirits. The cool, crisp mornings, people once again venturing outside after a long, hot Texas summer, the beautiful leaves that magically dance with the wind. I love the open windows and the sounds that from a distance enter my mind. Children playing, mowing the lawn for the last time, families talking quietly as they sit on their front porches at night, a radio playing softly in the distance. As the sounds change to hearing children calling "Trick or Treat", family football games in the yard, and family conservation as they gather around the Thanksgiving table, it a reminder that within the season there is also change.

The smells of autumn also are different from any other time of the year. The smoke that lazily lingers from chimneys that guard our housetops. The burning of leaves that have changed from green, to beautiful fall hues, to finally brown. Hot dogs smothered in chili, hot apple cider with fragrant cinnamon sticks, marshmallows that have been burnt beyond recognition. The smells of turkey, onions, celery, cranberries, stuffing, and pumpkin pie that on Thanksgiving Day gratefully allow us to stuff ourselves into misery.

The traditions of family offers comfort. Buying the pumpkins, gourds and beautiful Indian corn the first weekend in October. Friday night campfires and cookouts, gathering pecans, and watching for the Harvest moon. Cool fall evenings that bring out the sweaters, and the tranquility that only comes from rocking on the front porch. Thanksgiving with family and friends or just the two of us. A time to rethink our gratitude.

I am grateful for the renewal that comes before hibernation. God in His infinite wisdom.