Autumn Reflection

As the days grow shorter and colder, and we retrieve sweaters and coats, we look for places of warmth and light. Usually the kitchen is a cozy, bright space where families gather. I remember    when I was growing up, our kitchen was such a place. My mother was always baking bread or cookies, or cleaning vegetables, or darning socks, or ironing clothes -- always in the kitchen. And if a neighbor dropped by, she would serve coffee around the kitchen table.

Back porches are also usually warm places in the fall. I used to sit on our back porch steps to read or fold clothes as the sun filtered through the clouds. Our back yard was quiet except for the birds stealing grapes from our arbor with gluttonous glee.

Walkers like to catch a few rays of sun in parks that are usually filled with trees in brilliant autumn colors. Even when the leaves have fallen, it is fun to walk on the crunchy carpet.

Fire places are also warm places to gather on the chilly fall days. They take the nip out of the air and the dancing flames are mesmerizing to watch. And falling asleep on the sofa or recliner is a double blessing.

Autumn is also a time to reflect on the waning years of life. As the earth beds down for winter, we might think about the years that have gone by and the time of our death draws nearer. If we are still young, we may ponder how best to make use of the years ahead. If we are elderly, we can be grateful for the years gone by and look peacefully at what lies ahead. We need to pray for our beautiful world that we may care for it and preserve it for future generations.