Here we are, into the first week of October – another month with 31 days, lots of festivities and pumpkins galore. My family celebrates three birthdays this month. Two of them, will reach a milestone of 80 while the other moves closer to retirement. It is a month designated for anti-bullying, Oktoberfest, Halloween, the Protestant Reformation, innovation through change and the demise of summer. It also includes a harvest moon and bringing in the sheaves. I always thought that hymn was titled “Bringing in the Sheets,” when I was a young child – but I digress.

Apples and pumpkins are readily available at roadside stands. Indian corn can be a great treat for the squirrels who have begun to stockpile for the coming winter months. They also enjoy nibbling on pumpkins. It’s always fun to watch their antics at this time of year. They display great enterprise, ingenuity and perseverance as they gently push away the leaves and bury a future meal. It’s too bad they don’t have little markers or headstones for them so it wouldn’t be so difficult to find them – but I digress again. I have, however, titled this post as October musings, so I may tend to go off track here and there.

Hayrides, sunflower fields, Homecoming celebrations, fresh air, low dew points, apple pies and cider, beautiful colors that brighten the landscape and autumn allergies – all part of this magnificent presentation of another season. I have been a widow for almost two years. I still grieve but know that the love of my life is waiting for me to join him in paradise.

The month is filled with many endings but just as many or more beginnings. Looking forward, each season has its own treasures to present to us. God has blessed humanity with a beautiful environment (which has been corrupted by mankind over time.) He has provided for our future in heaven. He loves us more than we can possibly love Him in return. Even when we turn our backs on Him, He continues to pursue us. It’s October. Enjoy the season and know that God is always present. He never changes. He loves us unconditionally. He wants us to be with Him forever.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER MONTH!