Fall

Okay, I admit it. I never really understood those people that said that fall was their favorite season. To me, fall meant going back to school, cold weather, snow soon on the way, and basically back to busyness. I loved the relaxation of summer, the fact that I could wear shorts all of the time, and I have to say, I loved my tan! My pasty white skin the rest of the year is not nearly as nice as my summer tan.

I think I get it now. This fall has changed my entire attitude about the season. We have had a REAL fall.

In South Dakota I think that fall was nice, but I don't really remember it being this beautiful. That was probably because by the end of summer everything is DRY and there aren't really many leaves left on the trees because of that. Or, perhaps I just never took the time to stop and look at them.

When I moved to California, there was no fall. We went from summer, to mild summer, to winter. There wasn't really an in between, with all of the lovely colours and crisp temperatures.

When I moved to Coquitlam, fall took on an entirely different meaning. Once October hit it meant rain, rain, and more rain. Gray, gray, and more gray. Dark skies on the way to work and dark skies on the way home. Bleh, ick, yuck, and blah. Those are the words I would use to describe it. I longed for even the dry fall of South Dakota. At least there it was cold but it was also sunny!

Hallelujiah! I have received my wish. This year we are in the midst of the most beautiful fall. Record temperatures, rich reds, brilliant oranges, bright yellows, leaves crunching under my feet, crisp autumn air...all of these describe it and more. I truly love fall! I love walking through the park and seeing these gorgeous colours splashed before my eyes. Without the constant rain we are known for my drive to work in the morning and on the way home at night has been so breathtaking! Just about every morning the sun has been so bright I have had to wear my sunglasses, and as I drive over the Port Mann bridge I can see fog hovering about the bridge, yet the sunlight is brightly spilling its glorious warmth into my car. I sit there and smile...seriously, I just GRIN! I can't help it...it's just so beautiful. The mountains are this stunning blue and they have snow on the tops and it is just the most beautiful picture.

In my morning devotions I recently read this verse that was so captivating I had to write it down. I have been reading it all the time trying to memorize it because I think it is so true.

"The LORD has done great things for us and we are filled with His joy!" Psalm 126:3

How true it is! He really has. I am thankful that He has shown me a new version of fall. It is one that I have truly never experienced before. If I had my own lawn I would go out and rake up all of the leaves and jump in the pile over and over again. I really love fall!