I always find September to be a bit of a strange transitional month. It’s generally still warm, but we also sometimes get frost. Our garden produce is in its prime, but we also have to harvest it, especially if we get frost. The children go back to school, but there are still plenty of summer events like county fairs for the family to attend. There is still plenty of daylight, but the leaves begin to turn colors. It’s not really still Summer, and it’s not yet truly Autumn.
I actually really love September, even though it is a bit unusual. When I was a child, I was always excited for September because school was starting, and I loved starting school. It was exciting to find out who my teacher was and which friends were in my classroom. As I advanced each year in school, there were new challenges and opportunities. As we got older, we were given more privileges, and it was exciting to find out what those would be. But, of course, those days are far in the past for me. But, I still love September just for different reasons these days.
September is a month of anticipation. As the weather changes, what will it be? Rain? Cold? Warmth? When will the colors of the leaves on the trees change? How much harvest will we get from our gardens and fields? September is a time to pull all the rest of the garden plants and prepare for winter.
September is a month of beauty. The leaves on the trees do change color, but they are not alone. Certain flowers flourish in the September air and bring new beauty. Some crops in the field turn color as harvest time approaches. Some wild animals change color as their coats prepare for winter. Even frost itself brings about a lovely coat of white.
September is a month which marks time and passage. Football and volleyball seasons begin. Pumpkin spice everything surrounds us. We snug away our lawn furniture, our summer clothing, and anything else which needs to not be left out in winter. We tune up our snow blowers and furnaces and get out warmer clothing, jackets, and blankets. We need to be prepared for what is to come.
And September is a month for us to give thanks. There is so very much for us to be grateful for. Transitions in particular cause us to pause and reflect and give thanks. I pray that this September as our lives transition from one season to another we do also give thanks to God for all that we have been given and for all that we receive.
Pastor Beth
920-562-2853
pastorbmacha@yahoo.com
