Fall Brings the Promise of Change
Today, I am pleased to offer this page to Christine Boatwright who shares, as part of our series on God’s promises, what the promise of Fall could mean to us. Christine and I met through our Word Weavers Upstate chapter where we exchange our writing for critique. But we don’t stop there. We’ve also enjoyed yummy lunches when we explore new restaurants with promising menus.
In mid-August, my social media feeds feature nothing but small, smiling children. Some wear uniforms and most hold small chalkboards or signs announcing their grade level. My favorites are the tiny, beaming children with the too-big backpacks and those missing front teeth.
It’s back-to-school time!
Well, except for my children, who don’t start school until September. This leaves me haphazardly relishing these final weeks of summer while jealously eyeing the carefree minivan moms exiting the school drop-off-line.
I also spend time staring at my cold-season clothing. It’s hard to imagine sweaters and thick denim in 90-degree August heat, but maybe—just maybe—the air has the slightest hint of Fall?
This time of year feels more like the new year to me than January 1st. I begin to imagine what I’ll do with my new-found free time. Admittedly, I get four hours to myself twice a week, but when you’re a stay-at-home mom, any alone time in your own house is something to write home about.
New life chapters or seasons always inspire grand plans in my life. Maybe I’ll finally embrace a long-lasting workout routine. Perhaps I’ll add a second quiet time with the Lord. What if I were to take up a new hobby, like piano? Or learn a second language?
Life after the new season begins looks nearly identical to the previous one. I don’t enjoy change. Change requires sacrifice, discomfort, and sometimes hardship. I know what I know; it’s secure and it’s difficult to want something unknown.
In reality, I hope my Fall involves a lot of free time for dedicated writing. As someone who wants to write and feels called by the Lord to write, it’s surprisingly difficult to sit at a desk for hours.
I’ve been reading through a Bible study for Christian writers. The author applies Scripture to the ambition of writing for the Lord. I have three index cards taped to my computer screen, each with a Scripture verse to keep my writing priorities in line. I thought I’d share one with you.
“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 NLT)
I love this one, especially “all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” As you get excited about Fall, what is your faith prompting you to do? Make a new friend? Join a new ministry? Dedicate time to something worthwhile? Learn something new?
As we welcome the changing season, and embrace the promise of cooler weather, let’s be sure to honor Jesus in the way we live. More than a “To Do” list, let’s respond to what our faith prompts us to do. And His accompanying promise? You’ll be honored along with him.
What stands out to you–keep on praying, God’s enablement, power to accomplish, honoring God, you’ll be honored? How does this make Fall appealing to you?
Happy Fall!
The Bible came to life for Christine Boatwright when she realized it told one story—the story of Jesus Christ. A church girl from the get-go, Christine learned storytelling through her time as an award-winning journalist and academic writer. In her limited free time as a stay-at-home mom, she connects the dots between the narrative of the Old Testament, the prophets who lived it, and the God who never changes. Find her Facebook Author Page and connect with her on Instagram as well as https://christineboatwright.com/
The Conversation
What an encouraging post! Thanks, Christine.
Such a nice post, and honor to meet you Ms. Christine. “Any friend of Ms. Marilyn’s…” as the saying goes. I too have learned to look forward to each new season; viewing them as new opportunities to learn and grow, and sometimes just to rest,
Thanks to you both, Marlyn and Christine, for the reminder that changes come, and that they bring opportunities along with the challenges. One of the things that came to mind was that changes often telegraph messages that they are coming, like the first slight chill of a September breeze. That gives us some time to prepare, and that can be God’s gift to help us make the new season more comfortable and productive. Good job.
Thank you, Marilyn and Christine, for your message of hope and encouragement. I’m looking forward to cooler temperatures, although I’m not ready for winter yet. For this season, I want to be a better listener to God–seek His guidance as to what He is calling me to do in this “new” season of life.
Katherine, I think changing seasons can be hard in loss–not think–know by experience. But just imagine how chaotic it would be if we had not seasons, and every day was unpredictable. It’s reflection of God’s order and I try to cling to His voice order in my life, too.
As a teacher, fall always seems like the start of the new year to me, too! Thank you, Christine, for your encouraging message and reminder to honor Jesus in the way we live.
I love the colors of fall, but I don’t like the fact that cold weather is right behind it. But fall does remind me that we do need change. The beautiful leaves release from the trees to make room for new growth in the spring. We need to release those things we don’t need any longer so God can sprout something new.
That’s a really good word. I wonder if we yearn to do this naturally since we tend to embrace spring cleaning. 🙂
I enjoyed your joy-filled post, Christine. Here’s the challenge I accept: “More than a “To Do” list, let’s respond to what our faith prompts us to do.“ Thank you.
I love this season too! And I’m eager to wear my sweaters. I love the encouragement to accomplish good things through my faith! Good post!
I always love the change in seasons! There’s is something good about them all, although I claim summer as my favorite. My goal this season is to see interruptions as opportunities from God, rather than become annoyed that they interfere with “my” agenda.
I am a stay at home/ homeschool mama and I can so relate to the joy of having a few minutes to myself. 😃
This fall season brings hope and excitement. I look forward to spending more time writing devotions and accomplishing the tasks God places before me. Excited to see all God is going to do!
Thank you, Marilyn and Christine. Fall is one of my favorite seasons. I want to stretch out the season and savor the mild climate.