Something about the September space between the end of August and the autumnal equinox of September 20th, speaks of slowing down. This liminal space begs us to take a few moments and look about us, taking stock of our surroundings.
An invitation to new sight of sorts.
For many, as soon as the calendar flips to September, they rush into filling their world with autumn delights. While I do begin adding splashes of autumn decor to my home, I prefer using the September space leading up to the official start of autumn for reflection.
Earlier and earlier every year autumn decor and festivals spring up. But in many areas, nature’s surroundings take another month before shifting into full autumnal splendor.
In the meantime, September invites us to slowly transition by engaging on new levels with the world around us.
This lovely September space is one of my favorite times to re-visit my outside realm for new changes. While I wait for nature to come fully into her autumnal beauty, I notice the easy way she sheds one season for another.
Perhaps it is the result of getting older, but adopting a slower pace feeds my soul.
At a slower pace, I connect more deeply with my surroundings and enjoy creation’s magnificence. Spending time in my favorite garden haunts and walking paths, I take in subtle changes.
I notice seed pods more prominent as they invite migrating birds to a last supper. A second blooming of my roses boasts deeper reds and plums on dark green foliage.
As summer flowers and foliage fades and browns, their colors blend in layers of the autumn landscape of cinnamon, burnt orange, and sienna.
And who can help but giggle at the scurrying of squirrels as they scarf up the acorns, walnuts and hickory nuts blanketing the lawn? Where I once watched them playing and chasing about, they now move with hurried intention in an all-business-like manner.
We know change lay ahead, and September’s gentle transition braces us for its newness while inviting us to live. For all change is an invitation to life and living our one life in new ways.
September is a promise of summer’s waning warmth wrapped in the shawl of October’s coming chill. Savoring this luxury of September space, moves me to deeper reflection.
Slowing down in this liminal space, re-visiting familiar places, noticing the gentle fade of summer into autumn, I am reminded of the way one healing season glides into the next.
As September exhales the prophetic breath of change, calling us to embrace life in new ways, I move through times of emotional healing into a changed perspective.
Each time I re-visit a painful memory, with new awareness and truth I can now see the transformation healing brought.
I learn to live life in healthier ways, embracing change as the space my soul needs to bloom. The old season of hardship ends, allowing for a restored strength and anticipation in a new season.
But without the liminal space inviting pause and reflection at the threshold of a new season, we miss savoring all we are becoming and learning from the old one.
Beauty waits in the space before the next season.
The beauty of the soul rest of gratitude as we linger with God in this finished but not yet space. Reflecting on the bountiful ways He met us in the past season fills us with joyful anticipation of walking with Him into the new season.
“Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.”
Whether like me, you experienced God shepherding you through grief to healing, or you witnessed God’s hand of provision in times of need, His peace amid turmoil, or enjoyed the favor of His loving Presence, make time for grateful reflection in this quiet September space.
Return to the place of soul rest in Him as you savor with gratitude His goodness to you in all things, treasuring up His faithfulness and unfailing love to adorn the new season ahead.
Autumn has a way of inviting you into a relationship with your surroundings, wooing you with vibrant colors, provocative fragrances, and a bit of a chill in the air, as it enlivens all of the senses anew.
As intoxicating as this invitation is, imagine pausing in the brief September space before you while savoring with gratitude all that brought you thus far, basking in the perfect love of God. Then step forward and own everything autumn’s arms have to offer.
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I am joining you, Donna, in savoring the new season as we move from the heat of summer to the cooler autumn days. I appreciate how you articulated our transition, “For all change is an invitation to life and living our one life in new ways.”
May this new season be another opportunity to enjoy God’s goodness and faithfulness Lisa!
I truly enjoy all the seasons and would not want to live where all four could not be enjoyed. The past few days I have been noticing the darker mornings and earlier sunsets. Even though it was expected to occur, I still find myself amazed by the change. Once again, I find myself reminded that while seasons change, our God remains constant, always the same, never changing and ever-present. May God bless you in this season, friend!
Joanne the seasonal changes are wonderful and another opportunity to see God’s faithfulness and unchanging ways in each new season!