As September approaches...

As September approaches, warm August evenings give way to cool Autumn nights; a woman reaches for a sweater. The cool air in morning holds a hint of crisp days ahead. The woman can smell the leaves turning. She watches their golden and scarlet tips stretch for the sky; holding onto the sunlight. Just a few weeks longer. The farmer's field and orchard are dotted with orange and red and yellow, as the harvest of the season unfolds. Corn stalks sway in the breeze, rustling, telling her of their remaining time. 

As September approaches, the woman's family prepares. She is learning much about herself in this Season - joyfully embracing her role as a Wife and Mother. She is the keeper of her home, working with her hands in delight, showing kindness on her tongue, loving her husband and child, smiling at the future and His plan for her life. 

The woman crafts with her hands, creating a cozy home for her family to settle into once the bare boned structure of the landscape appears. A mother and a wife pouring her love into each sweater she folds, each blanket she turns down, each fruit she pulls from a plant, each jar and crock she fills - an attempt to savor the taste of the land's bountiful blessings from the long, sun-filled days. 

A boy - a messy, busy, bundle of delight - relishes the last of the warm breeze, squeezing out hours of shortening days, uncovering earth, finding the last of summertime treasures with wide-eyed wonder. Innocently unaware of seasons ahead. A son pouring his love into each kiss he gives, each smile, every laughter, each rock he turns over, picture he paints, berry he picks - he savors the season, his parents love and warmth, the moment, every day. 

A man with strong hands creates a safe home for his family to settle into once the bare boned structure of the landscape appears. A father and a husband pouring his love into each log he splits, each item he checks off his list - an attempt to savor the daylight hours, he races against the season; sweat lined brim and dirty palms, utilizing the land's bountiful blessings to keep his family warm from the long, dark days.

As September approaches, this woman bows down before her Creator, humbly, listening as He softly speaks - create the most appealing and treasured place on Earth, a warm home for all those I have placed in your care, He tells her. Light will shine forth from this place and all within will be nurtured and content. Build the temple of your child's heart, create and keep a home that witnesses the righteousness of my design for family. It will be so beckoning, so warm with Christ, so right, that others may desire to have that picture hanging over their own hearth  rather than the one they have chosen. I have equipped you to fulfill this, in which have given you.

Tears stream down the woman's face and she thanks Him for His blessings, His Word, His strength, His love, His promise and purpose for her life. She takes ahold of His hand, turns her face towards the Heavens. The sunlight kisses her cheeks. The wind rustles the leaves, a few dance as they glide to the ground. She delights in these last warm summer breezes, and she is filled with joy for the coming seasons. She breathes deeply and smiles, as September approaches...