A Special Season

Fall is my favorite time of the year. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I live on a ranch and from the first sign of spring to late summer there are always so many things to do: A kitchen garden to plant, winter wood to cut, split, and stack, and endless watering to do. Or perhaps it is because we live in the Sierra foothills of northern California and it’s not unusual for the temperature to exceed 100 degrees for weeks at a time. But I’d prefer to think it has to do with Fall being a special season in my life. A “season” when I intentionally reflect on God and all the good things He has been doing in my life and giving thanks to Him.

It’s so easy to get in the habit of taking God and all He does for us for granted. I don’t think it’s because we don’t appreciate Him. We just get busy and there’s always so much to do.  I think that is one of the reasons why it is important for us to meditate on Psalm 100:4 from time-to-time.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

What we have to recognize and actively acknowledge is…this verse isn’t a request. It’s a command. Our heavenly Father is telling us what He requires of us…what He wants us to do. Because? He is God and deserves all the praise and thanksgiving we can give Him, and more. We are children of God. We belong to Him and showering Him with our thanksgiving and praise is our privileged responsibility.

It is interesting how quickly we turn to God when we’re in trouble…how readily we go to Him when we have a need and/or complaint. I believe, for me anyway, that is why a Special Season of reflection and thanksgiving when Fall roles around is so important. It is a sacred moment in time when I can sit down with God express my love and adoration to the One I love the most.

Love in Christ, Patty Clark