Today was breezy and pleasant. The blue sky sketched full of clouds. The cool breezes caressed my skin and rustled the leaves on the oak trees. I just sat in the swing most of the day and enjoyed watching the birds. Didn’t do any writing or note taking. Put supper in the crock pot and Penelope and I watched the world wake and spin around us. We were entertained by the handsome cardinals and the fighting finches. Mr. Downy Woodpecker stopped by for a suet snack. Haven’t seen him in several weeks.

The leaves are dancing down from the oak branches clad in brown work clothes. No one is dressed yet in a beautiful autumn colored cardigan. The oak leaves and magnolia leaves are playing tag chasing each other up and down the street, dancing their last moments. “The sound of rustling leaves in the fall is like a symphony for the soul,” Unknown. F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” Never thought about fall signifying a new beginning but fall can be a seasonal renewal leading to spring and the hope of the earth’s rebirth. I could hear the whispers of the fallen leaves as they danced on the breeze, their language inspiring me to be thankful for this beautiful day and the glorious life I live.

Returning to the porch swing after supper I watched Mother Nature’s watercolor brushes paint the heavens an exquisite pale pink as she blazed a deep watermelon wildfire across the horizon. The fire got out of control, burning the bellies of the gray clouds hot pink. So beautiful but burned out so quickly I had no time for a photograph. My oldest son was watching the sky tonight, too, and sent me a photograph of the sunset from his seat at the football game.

I read this last night on a friend’s Facebook page. “There will always be trials and tribulations in life, but God will carry you through every storm. He will give you strength to endure, even when you feel like you can’t,” Isaiah 41:10. How many times have we as Christians asked God, “Why?” Why do we have to suffer if God is good? When God created man he gave us free will which allows us to choose good or evil. Sometimes in our choices we cause suffering for ourselves and others.

Scripture states, “Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” God didn’t say life would be easy but he did promise to stand steadfast and faithful with us when life gets dark and stormy. Sometimes when we’re bogged down with misery and feel hopeless, prayer can help us feel God picking up our burdens and transferring them to his shoulders. Nothing is too light or too heavy for God to carry. We are never alone in our storms. God is always close by waiting to hold us up or catch us when we fall.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows,” James 1:17-18. Think of all the blessings God has given us to help us on our journey through life. We have our families and friends, people who support us, our churches, the Bible and its scripture. We have the simple joys found in nature like the sunrises and sunsets and the little songbirds. We have love and joy and forgiveness. Our faith gives us peace in times of chaos and wisdom to understand God’s will.

You want to have peace in your life? Ask God in your prayers to lift your worries and burdens off your shoulders and give you peace. If you can’t control it or change it turn it over God. God offers so many spiritual blessings just for the asking. Numbers 6:24-26 states, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”

“Christ alone can bring lasting peace — peace with God — peace among men and nations — and peace within our hearts.” — Billy Graham