Each New Day

This was the morning when Fall arrived, if only for two days. It was a wonderful sunrise, riding on a cool breeze, bringing a different light and a different feel to the morning. It was a glorious harbinger of change.

Fall and winter have always been my favorite seasons. I’m certain that it comes from having been raised among the beautiful colors of changing leaves in my childhood home in Arkansas. I enjoy the cold weather and the long nights. I also enjoy the way these seasons mark the passing of time.

With the coming of the Fall was football and sweaters and church hayrides. This season meant that school was back after a long hot summer. The holidays were on the horizon and soon, perhaps, a snow day or two. There was much for which to look forward when the season changed from summer to Fall.

But, somewhere along the years of life, change began to be less exciting. Instead of seeing the possibilities, all focus turns to to responsibility alone. Another Fall just comes to mean we are older still. We dread the snow before the first flake ever falls. Yes, the years can change our experience of change itself.

The book of Lamentations proclaims, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness." I am intrigued that this statement of hope and confidence comes in the writings named for passionate expressions of grief and sorrow, authored by a beleaguered man known as the “weeping Prophet”.

It is only with the passing of the days and seasons that we experience the fullness of God’s love. Without the rising of the sun to mark the passage of time, we would miss the beauty of finding the blessing of each new day. It is only through change we fully experience God’s faithfulness.

So, I will seek to welcome the changing seasons, both in the weather and in my own life. I will embrace these moments as promises that life lies ahead still, life that is not lived alone.

Peace.