Finding Joy in September

September feels like an exhale. Summer comes to a close, nature relaxes, and anticipation for the coming season grows. Cool fronts come through bringing a sigh of relief from the summer heat. Pumpkins, dried foliage, spice candles, and autumn wreaths begin to adorn festive homes. Wool blankets come out of storage and evening bonfires begin. Nature goldens as it prepares to rest for winter. Monarchs flutter about stopping at blooming mums for a snack while they migrate. Flocks of birds grace the sky as they too head south.

I love the sunlight of September. The Autumn Equinox light is warm and comforting. The mornings and evenings are more golden than other seasons. The sunrises and sunsets feel like a welcomed hug. You can sense the seasons turning. My sunrise nature walks resume as the temperatures slowly fall. The first falling leaves and acorns crunch under my feet. The tea olive blooms fill the air with a nostalgic aroma. Autumn mums and wildflowers grace the landscape as nature's last hurrah for the year.

The autumn months seem to be the most busy. Football, school events, fall festivals, and family & friend gatherings quickly fill up the calendar as routine resumes after a summer holiday. I want to encourage you to pause in September and pay attention. Relish in the warm early morning sun while you still feel the chilly night air. Look out for butterflies and flocks of migrating birds. God's creation is anything but boring, and each month holds new treasures to marvel in. He paints special sunrises for us each morning. Nature miraculously knows what to do each season. New blooms come up each month...don't miss them! My favorite verse to ponder while outside especially this time of year is from Psalm 19:1. The LORD draws it to my mind when I look up at the sky and am filled with wonder. The verses that follow are humbling.

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God;

    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

² Day after day they pour forth speech;

    night after night they reveal knowledge.

³ They have no speech, they use no words;

    no sound is heard from them.

⁴ Yet their voice^[b] goes out into all the earth,

    their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

⁵     It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,

    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

⁶ It rises at one end of the heavens

    and makes its circuit to the other;

    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

How incredible is our Creator? Spend time in September meditating on this passage. I promise it will fill you with peace during a busy season. There's something so comforting such a humbling passage. The heavens are declaring His glory every second of every day. Don't miss out!