My oldest daughter has recently developed a fondness for raking leaves. This is quite alright with me because I have leaves AND I do not share her interest in raking them.
She spent quite a bit of time outside one day, raking, raking, raking…
The next day, back outside she went. Raking, raking, raking…
She had quite a pile.
On the third day, after raking for a bit, she comes to me, a bit frustrated, and wants to know,
“When are the leaves going to stop? I just raked this yesterday and the day before.”
Oh, baby girl…

The leaves are going to keep coming for a good, long while.
They WILL stop, but when they do…
the frost will make its big debut.
The cold will bite, pipes can freeze…
the ice will sag, tug, pull down trees.
When it departs, spring arrives…
tiny birds, beautiful flowers, butterflies.
Oh, don’t forget bugs and weeds…
these things, too, you will see.
Next, summer is beaches and bar-b-ques…
you’ll experience droughts and a fierce storm or two.
Promise me this as you go through life…
every once in a while,
Stop!
Catch your breath…
step away from the strife.
Look carefully past the toils and pain…
take a break, walk outside, dance in the rain.
If the creeks are dry, look for animal tracks…
catch a few bugs, study them, appreciate them, then put them back.
Remember even weeds make a delightful bouquet…
and marvel at your frosted breath on the coldest days.
But now is the season for falling leaves…
rake them.
Don’t give up…
but, do one thing for me, please.
Set down your rake, get a running start…
jump into the pile and laugh with all your heart.
Toss them in the air…
marvel at their color, their shape, their smell.
I see that smile, it suits you well.
Life has seasons, my sweet, sweet child.
Each season brings with it hardships, some of them harsh, some quite mild.
The difficult times can get downright depressing.
But each season also brings beauty and blessing.
Please take the time to notice God’s grace…
The falling leaves, the sun light on your face.
Life is a wonderful, amazing gift…
but it glides right past you and it moves quite swift.
Not one instant do I wish you to miss…
unwrap your life…experience it in all its fullness.
Take nothing for granted…
make the most of what you’re handed.
And always find a reason to smile.

Now gumballs are another story. Don’t get me started on the gumballs…