Renaissance of the Soul

Autumn definitely feels as if it is finally here with the overcast weather and the cooler to cold temperatures sweeping their way through the Fort Worth area.  Last night Daylight Savings Time ended with the evenings getting darker and the mornings brighter.  In addition, this weekend I was able to pick up the morning shifts at work.  What a rarity it is to have both Friday and Saturday evenings free to do as I please.  In the world of retail, these opportunities do not present themselves very often, so I took full advantage of the time.  After clocking out at work this evening, I topped off the weekend by meeting a friend at the local coffee shop at the edge of downtown.  We had a great time of fellowship as I was in a great mood; in fact, I had been in a great mood since Friday.  This evening has been a great ending to a wonderful weekend.  Autumn is one of my favorite, if not the favorite, season of the year.  Could this be a season of the renaissance of the soul?  Seasons of life come and go with an occasional oasis of rest.  I hope and pray this is one of them as I wind down the year during these next two months.  Times of reflection are always important as long as I am not morbid about it or remain stuck in the past.  However, I do yearn to take what I have learned and try to make practical application for the future.  As another new year approaches, I look forward to a clean slate upon which to write a new chapter of my life.  But I must not overlook the present in doing so.  I do have a lot to be thankful for as God has been good to me.  During the midst of struggles and difficulties I may not have seen God at work, but I do as I reflect on the previous year-to-date.  With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, I can seek refuge in the peace and love this time of year brings.  Both holidays cast a warm and loving attitude upon people which is absent at other times in the year.  This is probably why this is my favorite time of the year.  Take the lessons of life and look with anticipation for what the future may hold.  Seek God and thank Him for his loving participation in the affairs of men.

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