It is finally "fall y'all" as they say here in TN! I love this time of year! I love all things "pumpkin-y" (if that's a word) and the temperatures are finally getting cooler! I love that the leaves on the trees are changing colors. As I look at the trees, the beautiful reds and oranges, I began to wonder why they change colors and why do leaves fall to the ground. I did a little "research". (Ok, just via Google, so it's not too scientific)

"Many types of trees shed their leaves as a strategy to survive harsh weather conditions. Shedding leaves helps trees to conserve water and energy. As unfavorable weather approaches, hormones in the trees trigger the process of abscission whereby the leaves are actively cut-off of the tree by specialized cells. At the start of the abscission process, trees reabsorb valuable nutrients from their leaves and store them for later use in their roots. Chlorophyll, the pigment that gives leaves their green color, is one of the first molecules to be broken down for its nutrients. This is one of the reasons why trees turn red, orange, and gold colors during the fall. At the end of the abscission process, when the leaves have been shed, a protective layer of cells grows over the exposed area. The shedding of leaves may also help trees to pollinate come springtime. Without leaves to get in the way, wind-blown pollen can travel longer distances and reach more trees." (by Deanna Conners http://earthsky.org/earth/why-do-trees-shed-their-leaves)

I think we can learn a lesson from the trees. We go through seasons in our lives as well and I'm learning to trust God as I journey through the seasons and grow closer to Him.

The "fall" season in our lives is for letting go of unhealthy habits, friendships, or circumstances. Maybe it's just to let go of something that is good but not God's best. God recently asked me to lay some things down in order to pick up something new. Just as the trees heal from letting go of the leaves, we can trust God that He will heal us as well. The time of "fall" is a time to conserve "nutrients" by reading God's Word and seeking Godly counsel in order to survive the upcoming winter and to make room for what is ahead in spring. We need to be firmly rooted in Him. 

"Winter" can feel like we are not hearing from God or seeing much fruit in our lives. We can trust God that the "food" of His word which was stored in the "fall" will be there to nourish us in the times of less light and harsh circumstances.

"Spring" is the season in life where circumstances, jobs, ministry, friendships are new again. We can trust Him that these things are growing, but still delicate and need to be nurtured until they are full grown and useful.

Summer is the time to enjoy the sun (Son) and provide shade (encouragement) for others and to be used fully for Jesus!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, 4, 6-7 (NLT) "For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. 2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest...4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance...6 A time to search and a time to quit searching...A time to keep and a time to throw away. 7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak." 

This journey with Jesus is truly a journey through seasons in life. I need to be willing to allow Him to lead and not rush through the seasons because He knows best. He knows what I need in order to grow. Will you journey with Him, my friend?

I just recently found this gorgeous piece of music on a playlist from a blogger friend. Enjoy as you listen. It sounds like a perfect accompaniment to fall. 

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