It’s October 1! The weather is cooling, the leaves will be fully changing colors soon, and we’re smack dab in the middle of pumpkin spice latte season.
Football is in full swing, baseball is heading toward the Fall Classic, and my days of mowing the lawn are coming to a close.
It sure feels like autumn.
This truly is my favorite time of the year — well, maybe next to Christmastime. The nights might be cold, but the days are crisp and sunny and it’s the perfect weather to don a hoodie. I like to take walks with the family and play with my kids outside. As I type this, I just came in from the backyard pushing my daughter on the swing and tossing the football with my boy.
Last night, our family had a barbeque and s’mores with some good friends. We played music and talked about life. It was a simple night yet full of profundity.
I have my moments where my heart is heavy, no doubt. I think about the people currently enduring Hurricane Ian, the loss of life and the damage to property. I feel sadness for those suffering from pain or illness. These are normal human emotions and so I allow myself to feel them for some period of time.
On the other hand, I try not to let these emotions consume me. For if we felt sorrow for every person going through hardship in a sinful, fallen world, our every waking moment would be drenched with tears.
So, instead we pray. And then we thank God for another day of life. No matter the troubles I might face, I’m truly grateful for all that I have. I have a wonderful wife and two great children. A comfortable house and a nice job. I wouldn’t ask for more from God even if I wanted it. He’s blessed me plenty.
Now I’m going to take this opportunity to play some Yahtzee with my boy. He’s six years old and loves the game … and somehow, very good at it. He beats me all the time.
That’s okay, though. I’ll challenge him again soon. 😆
