We went outside to play at 4:30 in the afternoon, the air considerably cooler than a few weeks before, and I was immediately grateful for the coming fall. As much as I look forward to the warm days of summer spent at the pool, the children splashing in the water, I tire of the sunscreen and swim diapers, the intense heat and suffocating humidity. I am part of the fickle human race who loses interest in the present and am thankful for the divine plan of the changing seasons.
I am thankful for the changing hues and the sweet smells that travel on the crisp air of the fall, the few weeks reprieve from the scorching heat that preceded it and a last glimpse of color before the bleak winter months that follow. And yet a part of me looks forward to the chill of the winter, the chance to sip hot chocolate beside a crackling fire and let my nostrils fill with the smell of Christmas trees and cookies baking. But as the drab and gray days of winter carry on, I long for the new life and blooms of spring, hoping this season will never end.
Each season carries with it a beauty of its own that cannot be found in the surrounding ones. Each season gives just enough change so that one may endure whatever long stretch of weather may follow and fully appreciate those that don’t seem quite long enough.
I am thankful for the season of sword fighting with sticks, while little pirates who previously played beside each other but not with each other engage in a complete battle, full of giggles and smiles. My heart grows during the moment when the smaller of the two pirates knocks down the other’s sword, yet the larger offers a heartfelt congratulations (And prize–his Iron Man Transformer until Christmas to be exact).
And I am thankful for the season of apple-thievery, as the little baby who cannot yet take part in their battle chooses one of her own.
Some seasons I wish would stretch longer, watching as they fade as quickly as the golden leaves upon the autumn trees, so I learn to savor them while they are here. Others drain me as does the heat of summer, taking every bit of strength and energy out of my bones, yet I know this time, too, is just a season; the new life of spring is around the corner.
And so I learn to find joy in every season, for in every season there is beauty, an opportunity for growth and learning, a reason to give thanks.
For what can you be thankful during this season of your life? Come share your thoughts for this ‘Focus on it Friday.’
Jennifer Vignola Davis 
Seriously talk to me about that toe-headed baby chomping on her apple…too cute!
Enjoy your weekend.
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I couldn't resist snapping a picture with everyone's apples that she had collected. She's my cutie! Hope you have a good weekend, as well!
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Fall appears to have arrived here too (although the summer heat still tries to horn in during late afternoon). I know what you mean about always looking forward to the next season… it's hard to appreciate the one you're in when it's been more than a week!
This week I'm thankful for a wonderful dad – we celebrated his birthday on Tuesday. He is a wonderful example of what a father should be. I am lucky to have grown up with such a godly man, and love that my children think "Papa" is the best!
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I love fall so much! Everything smells good, even rotting leaves on the ground. I love the feel of cool air but warm sun. I wish fall could go on forever because winter is seriously unpleasant here. However, this winter I'm going to be incredibly thankful for my warm house! It kept us disgustingly hot this summer so hopefully it'll keep us comfortably warm this winter!
I can't believe you're wearing shorts though, or at least your kids are wearing shorts and tees in those pictures!! Your fall must be quite warm!
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Oh, please; true fall here only lasts about two weeks. It reached 90 degrees every day this week (how does that convert to Celsius?); I was just excited that the weather was cooler by 4:30 because previously this summer we had to wait until 7 or 7:30 before the heat was tolerable!
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Oh, please; true fall here only lasts about two weeks. It reached 90 degrees every day this week (how does that convert to Celsius?); I was just excited that the weather was cooler by 4:30 because previously this summer we had to wait until 7 or 7:30 before the heat was tolerable!
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Love the photo with the apples! So adorable!
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Love this, "And so I learn to find joy in every season, for in every season there is beauty, an opportunity for growth and learning, a reason to give thanks." Seasons are so evident in our lives. So thankful that nothing lasts forever. Learning to give thanks for this season I am in- time to spend building our new marriage, learning to love and support my husband, and learning to trust God with my whole heart and life!
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You'll never stop learning, either. With each season of our marriage, we have learned a new lesson and re-learned some old ones, too! 🙂
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I am part of the fickle race, too. 🙂 But I LOVE fall the most… Texas summers ZAP me of ALL my energy! (combined with this season of life, and no wonder I've been so worn out lately). Thank you for the reminder that seasons come and go and each has it's own beauty! Beautifully written as always!
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Yes, I totally relate! The Georgia summers are so draining, and I am definitely looking forward to the cooler weather. Thank you for the compliment!
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