Don't blink!

Every day I walk down my road, the vibrant variety of colors nearly takes my breath away and whispers not to blink or it all may just fade away more quickly than it appeared. Each evening I notice more leaves have changed color while just as many or more have fallen, leaving holes in the autumn landscape all across the forest and behind the few houses spread out along the long, country road. I've been taking a lot of pictures because the landscape changes constantly.

I'm reminded of times in my life that I wanted to savor as long as I could, knowing they were inevitably slipping away. Like cradling my newborn son in my arms or holding on to him a little more tightly through his senior year of high school. Like watching my adopted son spend precious time with his sister for those short ten days we spent in Spain to see her. Like the last few days of a school year with a class that stole my heart. Like that last hug with a family member or close friend that I know I won't be seeing again for awhile. Or even as trivial as that last sip of a good cup of coffee or that last bite of fresh blueberry pie. 

This current stage of the season reminds me to open my eyes and embrace what's in front of me, savor the beauty of it, and cherish yesterday's gifts while anticipating and looking for new gifts tomorrow. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.--Lamentations 3:22-23. The canvas changes daily, and I'm thankful for the front row seat to watch the Master Artist in action. 

It's incredible to watch this season burst forth in greatness, knowing all those vibrant colors patiently waited their turn to come out in their due season, one at a time, so we could capture the individual beauty of each one before every last leaf falls to the ground and gives way to the never-ending cycle of life.