I may sound like a broken record but I really love this time of year. Its not to cold, it has that perfect nip in the air that lets you walk around with a fuzzy sweeter. You can curl up with some hot soup or even a nice cup of cider but what’s even more enjoyable this time of year is that on my daily walks I get to see so much beautiful change.
I have heard and totally agree with Carol Bishop Hipps that said
“Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter.”
Yes that is exactly it for me, said so well. I was reflecting on that as I kicked some leaves the other day and looked over and noticed some apples on the ground in the front yard of a house that is well taken care of but you never see the people other than when they are racing out the door and if I take my walk to late then I miss the mad dash and the house looks like the families on vacation. On my previous walks I had noticed the apples getting ripe and wondered if they would pick them but one by one they fall to the ground. I don’t know if they are waiting for all of them to fall or their yard maintenance crew to come take care of them but either way I got to thinking it is such a waste. I did get on my soap box about the waste all the way up the street then as I turned the corner I guess I also turned my way of thinking too.
I got to thinking how many times have I let a talent, gift, kind word or action just drop off and die because I get so busy doing my own thing, just trying to get by or I allow fear to take hold so that it is easier to just let it die. I think of how many times I didn’t offer that kind word or think my talent wasn’t as glamorous as others so why use it? Just like those apples that could have filled a persons belly and gave them much need nutrients I have allowed my “fruit” to go to waste at times.
I took the picture to be my reminder so when I start to not live to my fullest potential I can look at it and it will remind me I was given by God some fruit and it needs to be shared with others.
1 Peter 4:10-11
10) Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11) If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
