I always find it hard to experience summer giving way to autumn and autumn to winter.  I am a sunshine girl, and a gloomy sky combined with cold makes me gloomy as well–so I start the season’s change with an admittedly grumbly attitude. I don’t believe that I am alone in this, many people experience various levels of sadness or depression when the colder months appear, partially due to a lower intake of Vitamin D, but also because of a lack of light and warmth..

But, you say, “what about those beautiful autumn colors? They should make you happy.” You are right, they should.There are russets, brilliant yellows, vibrant oranges, blues, purples, greens, and pure reds. The hills look as if they have giant lollipops spread from horizon to horizon.  I believe that the colors of autumn are a gift from God to all of us. They help to assuage that inner longing to cling to summer as long as possible. The grumpiness gives way to wonder and glory at the sheer beauty of the hills.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills– where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth”  Psalm 121: 1

As a struggle to accept the inevitable; the garden fading away, the sunshine losing it’s warmth, the leaves falling to the ground–I have to remember that seasons must occur so that life on earth will continue to thrive. The trees and plants must rest so that they can produce the following spring. The animals must have time to rest through the winter to continue the cycle of life, and so must I. If I can only learn to accept the changes, for they are for my good, I can enjoy the fact that autumn has its own beauty, as does winter, for each season brings its own color to the mix. There is a sublime beauty in gazing upon snow falling like glittering diamonds.

There is wonder in spending time with family and friends during the holidays, or the simple pastimes of star-gazing, or watching children at play in the snow.  I enjoy raking the leaves into a mound only to scatter them with a flying leap, and then rake them over again. I enjoy it even more when others are leaping with me.

Despite my sadness that summer is moving out, it becomes a joy to see autumn move in. It is time to take a rest, enjoy the scenery, and to prepare for the wonders of winter. Without the contrast of the seasons, there would be no appreciation of what each brings to the palette. Whether spring, summer, autumn, or winter, there is much to be gained from each of these beautiful seasons. They will still be here to embrace others long after my time of engagement has passed.

Narrative credit: charlene @ charlenesattic.com

Picture credit: Pixelahead,com