“October is the month of painted leaves.
Their rich glow now flashes round the world.
As fruits and leaves and the day itself
acquire a bright tint just before they fall,
so the year near its setting.
October is its sunset sky;
November the later twilight.” Henry David Thoreau

This most majestic month, when God pulls out all the stops, filling the air with smells of burning leaves, pumpkin spice, harvested corn. Where fresh apple pies are on the menu. Where colors of many shades of gold, red and rust invade the forests and landscapes. Where summer melts into bales of hay in the field – squirrels and other critters forage for their winter sustenance – marshmallows are roasted over an open fire – hay wagons pull carts of people instead of hay, as they snuggle into flannel shirts. This month has been one of searching for us. As we took our little drives through the country roads around us, we were allowed to retreat from life as we knew it – even for a little while. We will continue to fill our days with positive thoughts and prayers.

In October, we celebrate the harvest. We purchase fresh pumpkins and apples. October Festivals are held for just about every reason. We have holidays for almost every day of the month, including Breast Cancer Awareness, Down Syndrome Awareness, Black Cat Awareness and Substance Abuse Awareness. It’s the spooky time of the year when ghosts and goblins supposedly roam the earth, scaring everyone. Maybe we’ll have more than one trick or treater this year. October is the month of Halloween. It is also the time when Protestants celebrate the reformation of the church in Martin Luther’s day. My sister has a birthday and so did my son-in-law.

Most importantly, this month indicates the changing of seasons. Autumn is our most glorious time of the year. With the range of God’s palette, we are treated to all kinds of beauty. It is the epitome of the year. It also signals the coming of winter. Life is like that too. Each season has its own beauty and majesty. The green, fresh sprouting of new life comes in spring. Summer brings warmth and rain to make things grow. Autumn is a time of reflection and winter ends it all, with her frozen air, her dancing snowflakes, her frost upon the windowpanes. Each one is filled with beauty. Each one has a purpose. Every human life is the same. Each is filled with beauty. Each has a purpose. We are all unique.