God moves through fall things

Here we are: September 23rd and surrounded by signs of fall: cool, fresh air; the “pop” of biting into the first Honeycrisp apple; vibrant yellows, oranges and reds kissing the trees; the fresh smell and “crunch, crunch, crunch” of drying leaves; and of course, pumpkin spice everything. 

Fall creeps up on me every year. One day I’m out in shorts and a tank top and the next, a beloved college sweatshirt. It flips like a switch. Saying goodbye to sundresses, grill outs and long days of sunshine brings sadness to my heart but as much as I love summer, fall is divine. It’s the initial sting of the seasonal breakup that hurts.

This summer, I added something to my morning scripture time: writing down my intentions. In the darkness of the sometimes-painfully early morning, it’s the ultimate way to set my mind, body and Spirit right, and recommit myself to nourishing outward (others) rather than defaulting to an “every-man-for-himself” mentality. It’s easy to be selfish. It takes effort to practice outreach. Stepping into each day with intentionality has become ingrained into my routine. 

All this got me thinking: “What would it look like to apply the same intentions I do to my days, to my season? What if, at the beginning of fall, I write:

This fall, I will serve ...

This fall, I’m excited about ...

This fall, I will nourish myself by ...” 

At best, it would bring even more purpose and clarity to my life. At worst, it would be a fun exercise without any real sacrifice. So I started thinking ... and praying ... and listening. Here’s the result:

This fall, I will serve my mom as she continues to grieve. She needs a mom: someone to encourage, support and pray for her. I can’t replace Grandma but I can be her hands and feet, His Hands and Feet. 

This fall, I’m excited about deepening growth. The past year has been a huge season of growth for me. I’m encouraged by the ways God has shown up (moved) in all areas of my life (faith, career, relationships, food and exercise, thoughts, sense of well-being). I won’t go into detail but in a future post, I assure you I will. God hasn’t moved me to write that yet. For now, I’m excited to be open to and ultimately, experience growth as the Lord continues to move. 

This fall, I will nourish myself by always having food prepared and portioned to grab on-the-go. I’m not like most people; if there aren’t healthful (whole, unprocessed) options available, I’ll go without. Historically, I’ve fasted the majority of the day simply because “it’s easier.” Being nourished — body, mind, Spirit and relationally — fuels my passion to support and encourage others. I must be well to do Good. 

So there it is: my three fall intentions. Maybe this won’t be life-changing; but maybe it will. I guarantee I’ll learn something, welcoming winter with better insight than I had 3 months before. I’ll invite Jesus’ presence to fill me with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, integrity, gentleness and self-control. For this is the image of God we’re called to live out this season, this year and the entirety of our time on earth. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Galatians 5:22-24

Because God moves through fall things and intentions the season brings.