Embracing the Autumn of Life

Autumn, the third season of the year, between summer and winter.

Can you see it? The bold hues of yellow, orange, and red, painting the mountains or adding a splash of color to the city. Can you feel it? The days grow shorter and cooler. Can you smell it? Mmm, the deliciousness of a warm apple pie coming out of the oven. Can you taste it? It’s fall, y’all. So happy, pumpkin spice everything. Can you hear it? The voices of children laughing and people praising God and giving thanks for a bountiful harvest.

Growing up in Pennsylvania, I was able to experience the fall season with all my senses. Living in Florida, these past thiry-five years, well, let’s just say, the experience of autumn is slightly different but still so beautiful.

However, there is another type of autumn — one that we all, God-willing, will experience. One that may not be full of color, deliciousness, or praise. One that I knew would come but seemed so far away during my spring and summer. Yes, friends, I have entered this new season of life: the autumn of life.

And, with it, came a multitude of different sense experiences including sadness, loss, anxiety, fear, change, and hope. Like autumn in Florida, everything these past few years has come and gone so quickly. The pandemic, my Mom (and best friend) returning home to our heavenly Father, and my Dad (my life-long superhero) has been in the hospital three times in seven months – he is aging and in his winter season of life. I’m becoming an empty-nester, as my oldest child married and moved to Tennessee with her husband. Dear friends have moved away, co-workers have passed away, and I have retired from a thiry-five year career.

Can you relate? Perhaps you are experiencing the autumn of your life or know someone who is.

As I write this devotional, I’m reminded of a few of my favorite scriptures. It’s amazing that on the “coldest” of days, I find myself sitting in the quiet, praying, and somehow these verses show up in my readings. It’s as if God was sitting across from me, at my kitchen table, and we were having a conversation. Our God is truly an awesome God.

For when you “think” autumn has no color: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8 NKJV).

For when autumn “feels” more like winter: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

For when you try to “catch” all the falling leaves: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Thank you, Lord, for your strength to help open my eyes to accepting change, taking time to breathe, and finding a new purpose as I navigate, with You, these next two seasons of life.

So, friends, let’s look at the autumn of life as we do the actual season of autumn. Embrace the beauty, change, and gifts of every season life has to offer, knowing He is with us every step of the journey. I welcome, and challenge you to welcome, the changes that come with the autumn of Life.

Take a moment to breathe the fresh air and reflect on your life’s journey thus far. As leaves fall, remember change is natural and inevitable. Harvest the fruits of your labor.

And be thankful for the bold and beautiful colors God has bestowed upon you this season.