ROGERS — Wow! As I look around these days I stand in awe of the beauty of God’s handiwork. With the sky of that deeper blue and the trees all changing to their fall colors, the view is breath taking at times. Fall is my favorite time of year, always has been. That might have something to do with the fact that I don’t enjoy being hot. Summer is nice at times, but those crisp fall mornings! Ah, fantastic! I love to step out as the sun comes up with a hot cup of coffee and just drink in the day. That is usually about the time that I am reminded of scripture that notes the passing of our days as a vapor.

As I watch the mist rise from my cup, I am made to think of James 4:14 that speaks so clearly to our short stay on this earth. My mind rushes back to the spring of life when I was just a boy and thought the days would never end and I would never live long enough to be eighteen. Then family, responsibilities, children and all that goes with it came down and just consumed my every waking minute, and as the summer passes in the busy pace of just doing what we do allCARL STATENtoo soon it was gone. Now I tend to slow down more than before, sometimes by choice and other times simply because things don’t work that fast any more. I tend to notice things more and value the time I have with deeper thought and value. I ponder on where my children have gone and where did all these “Grand” children come from?

A sudden breeze from the edge of winter brings me back to reality and I begin to ponder the shorter days and longer nights of winter coming on and have a new respect and compassion for those that are older. Although I still don’t care for being hot, I must confess that some areas of self get colder than I like. I begin to think on more serious subjects and talk more than usual. I value the visits with family and friends more than ever and for some reason think my opinion more correct than ever.

It’s strange I suppose, but fall brings on many emotions and memories and clears my vision of the future more and more. With greater anticipation and hope I hold to the things of God and value His word above all else. Relationships are more precious and differences less important.

After all the vapor rises and then it’s gone.

I do love fall and this entire season of the year. I am enjoying this time of life and like to share it with others. Don’t over extend yourself. Slow down and enjoy your days. My grandma was surely right. The more they come, the faster they go, just like a wisp of mist from the cup. Oh, I’ve let mine get cold. I think I’ll have another cup and tighten my jacket. Winter is just around the corner.

Thank you Lord that you are the God of all seasons of life and thy blessings never fail in all kinds of weather.

Thank you for this day and the beauty of it. Thank you for your handiwork all around and in me as well.

Amen.

Carl Staten can be reached by calling 246-9858 or by e-mail at lfpbc@juno.

com.

In the Spirit, Pages 5 on 10/28/2009

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