I confess to you here that there is nothing like the blue of an October sky on a cloudless day. It is a blue so vibrant, so clear, that it defies description by mere words alone. It is a blue you simply have to experience for yourself. And as you stand gazing at this October sky, you will find yourself asking, how can this be the same sky I looked up to in July? so different from a July sky is the sight (although a July sky is completely, perfectly wonderful in its own right). Or you may wonder, how can it bear no resemblance to an April sky? (after all it is the same sky, right?)

Albert Camus said this about fall. “Autumn is a second Spring when every leaf is a flower.” I couldn’t agree with him more! I think perhaps he loves fall as much as I always have. The smell of wet leaves underfoot is the smell of autumn and it is the smell of home to me. (we had lots of trees and there were always lots of unraked leaves covering the ground)

Funny how a smell brings back so many memories. On my walks this time of year I am home in memory only, as I can no longer return to my childhood home except in memory. But autumn walks provide adequate time to spend in reverie. and for pondering such things as . . .

why an October sky is not the blue of any other sky? Perhaps because a suitable backdrop is needed against which to display the fall colors glowing from every tree (save evergreens). We look up to view such a spectacular sight, leaves of reds and golds and oranges, distinct against the bright, blue brilliance of an October sky.

The flowers of fall, as Camus said, flowers we look upward to view, not downward – these flowers are not planted in the ground. But to the ground they will eventually find their way, fall showers being the colorful cascading of the brightly colored leaves on their annual journey from tree to ground – they fill the air with their weightless wonder – we a captive audience to their last dance before they join countless others on the ground of a forest floor or a city sidewalk, a sidewalk now for a time disguised as a colorful carpet in a magical land – the very leaves that stood vibrant against the backdrop of an autumn sky, now pave the path I walk – an ordinary path transformed – now a multi-colored patchwork of most intricate design.

Who will clothe all these trees left bereft of all their former splendor? Will not their Creator care for them? Matthew 6:28-30 gives an answer saying,

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”

Sometimes it is a delicate, sparkling frost that clings to every bare branch as a rising sun reveals the beauty of new clothes to a waking world. At other times, dazzling ice may coat each branch, transparent yet reflecting every beam of light, giving glory to every tree in her naked state. Still other days these same trees may find themselves fully clothed in soft flakes of snow, covering them with lacy elegance unmatched in all the world. Everyone pauses at this picture of the formerly barren, now adorned with such pure white beauty that the world hushes in response.

Yes, the world hushes as it waits patiently for spring, a time when a new wardrobe will be provided for every tree and bush and flower that has persevered through winter fully clothed in what God gives for every season.

So today I will spend time in my reverie of wet leaves and home and fires in the fireplace and hot cider and more color than can be contained and yet – there it is on display, free to anyone who would look with open eyes.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for surrounding me with such beauty in every season in which I find myself. Your Presence is revealed everywhere I look. Reminders of Your care and provision for all You have created surround me and fill the earth.

“The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food at the proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:13-16)

sincerely, Grace Day