Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. Not only are our eyes exposed to a feast of brilliant colors, but the sounds change too. We hear geese migrating in search of warmer climates and honking all the way. There are more birds at the feeder lately too. Squirrels are busy gathering sustenance for the coming winter months. How majestic is our God. He has His eye on His entire creation, every second of every day. He charts the paths for the birds to fly. He leads the critters to food sources that will keep them alive. He hears our prayers – every single one of them – and answers them with our best interests in mind.

We live in a small town, just north of Minneapolis. We’re close to all that we need to keep us going every day, but we are also able to escape the city within just a few miles outside our backyard. We generally get in our car at least once a week and travel through wooded areas – visit parks surrounding two large rivers that feed them and enjoy all that God has to offer. These little trips are a way for us to refresh and regroup and get closer to our Creator. The trips are short, but enough for us to enjoy the changing seasons and escape the city sounds, smells, sights, feelings and tastes. It is a sort of respite from all the chaos that is going on right now in our neighborhood. You see, our home sits very close to a major highway which is currently under construction. Even though we live in a small town, there is crime around us. There is danger everywhere, but God has placed His protection around us too. He has given us opportunities to venture to other places and enjoy His handiwork.

If you want to enliven your senses, get out in nature. Especially right now when the colors are amazing. The metamorphous of life is taking place. Survival of the fittest is in the works. There is so much to enjoy right now. God’s paintbrush has been working overtime.