The autumn of life is plumb full of fall. Falling jowls, boobs, butt cheeks. Falling eyesight and hearing. (ooh. Sorry. I mistook that i for an l) Failing eyesight.

Sometimes people actually fall down and they can’t get up. Thankfully, I haven’t reached that point yet. I’m actually in quite good shape. At least every third Wednesday, sometimes on Thursday, and most weekends. 

As children we don’t appreciate the spring enough. Running in the sunshine, climbing trees, screaming with laughter at every new experience because we haven’t yet learned to temper our joy. Skipping, jumping, and shouting through life as though we’re riding on the tail of a dragon.

As young adults, we complain about the summer heat, hard work and long days, wishing our lives away to a place that will be much different than we imagine. Though the time seems long and full of ups and downs, God continues to catch us when we fall and rejoice over us when we get up again.

When Autumn comes and we sag a bit, tire easier, and sigh heavily just by sitting in a chair, we think all the fun has left for a warmer climate. But there is still a little life left in our over-worked hearts and struggling limbs. We may be falling, but we haven’t reached winter yet.

I love Autumn in Minnesota. Leaves turning from green to crimson, amber, and burnt orange and slowly dropping from limbs until a cold snap in the night and you wake up to every yard covered in a crisp layer of fading burgundy, gold, and chestnut. The colors are vibrant one minute and muted the next, but still beautiful. 

Still worthy of screaming laughter and joy. 

I smile as God’s goodness wells in my heart and possibly my eyes, watching my granddaughters run and jump into huge piles of leaves my husband rakes up for them. Seeing these girls living their best lives in God’s wonderful grace, boisterous, healthy, and strong, I’m thankful for this life and his amazing bounty.