Today is the Autumn Equinox. Both day and night are equal in time. After the summer season, full of light and warmth, there is this window of balance.

It is an invitation to reorient ourselves and resume the structure that summer nullifies. With children returning to school, so often autumn brings schedule and routine.

As the leaves change, we marvel at their preparation for the season to come. The trees know how to prepare themselves for winter as do the animals. Autumn is a season of preparation for us as well. Many are completing the harvest of their fields and gardens. Some are still canning and preserving. There is the stockpiling of hay and grains to feed animals over winter. In an agricultural community, the preparation is clearly visible.

If winter is a time of encountering God and healing, autumn is the season of preparing. It is an opportunity to marvel at the miracles of creation and allow ourselves to be reinvigorated spiritually as we prepare for the winter.

God, our Creator, thank You for everything You gave us in summer. We thank You for the season of delight as we enjoyed the warmth and break from routine. We are grateful for the harvest that came from this season. Thank You for all You’ve given that will nourish us in days to come.

Deuteronomy 16:15 says, “..the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.” As we move with You, our Creator, through this season may our joy be complete. We receive Your blessing in our lives. We open our hearts to all You have for us. We thank You for the gift of this season.

Welcome autumn.