It's oft' said that September is the new January.
And ain't that the truth.
These first golden days of the 9th month, this little pocket of transition time tucked right between sultry summer days and autumn's gently falling leaves? This is my yearly sweet spot, baby. For these brief diminutive moments are a unique season of their very own.
Meanwhile, the mad rush starts off slowly, oh so slowly, doesn't it. The back-to-school hustle builds momentum with each passing day. Freshly sharpened pencils and notebooks uncreased and brand new sneakers. Kiddos so proud and eager as they head off to school after navigating the endless checkout lines with already weary parents, shopping baskets filled to overflowing with must-have back-to-school gear.
Truth be told, ol' mom {and dad} are heaving great sighs of relief as they wave good-bye to their students of all ages, even while wondering and worrying just a bit. For the nest is always in process of emptying, of releasing, of letting go. And mixed emotions are the order of the day.
But we're on a roll.
The calendars' little square spaces begin to rapidly fill with great big kick-off events. Appointments and meetings and games collide with book clubs and church gatherings and all manner of outdoor activities. Committees and boards and classes spring back to life, full force, carefully crafted to woo you to sign on, join up, jump in.
And if you're an avid blogger, the 31 Days party is not too far 'round the corner and you're not quite sure if you're ready, willing, and able to write with such ongoing intensity for that length of time.
Yet, in the rush and bustle of it all, there is a quietly persistent invitation that gently calls our names.
The Spirit whispers, 'Be still and know that I am God.'
And amazing grace, that unmerited favor, enables us to choose to venture closer than ever to Christ, settling in to be cradled in those sacred everlasting arms. Yes, even during the encroaching craziness of the new schedules and obligations ... with the holiday bustle just readying itself just over the horizon.
If our souls ever needed to linger quietly, to be still, to be refilled by the Holy One who designed each season ... it would be right about now.
'The moon marks off the season,
and the sun knows when to go down'
Psalm 104:19.
*
Giveaway #2 is up and running!
Click here to put your name in the hat for Nichole Nordeman's brand new CD,
'The Unmaking'
*
Giveaway #2 is up and running!
Click here to put your name in the hat for Nichole Nordeman's brand new CD,
'The Unmaking'
*
Come along with me as we make our way through this next season!
Just hit the subscribe link up top, ok?
*
Linda,
ReplyDeleteYes, Amen....praying you and your loved one will "be cradled in those sacred everlasting arms." Such a beautiful picture of rest...praying Sabbath blessings on you and yours, my friend ...((Hugs))
Such a quiet Friday afternoon, isn't it? I love that you've started this little conversation off, Dolly. And I hope your holiday is filled with moments of rest, renewal, and joy.
Delete;-}
Love that verse....and I am so ready for some stillness.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love that it's ours to claim?
Delete;-}
What a beautiful post, Linda. A breath of fresh air for me. I'm sitting, enjoying a quiet moment after fighting the traffic to get home from my daughter's eye appointment, stopped by the store, and now the dinner hour is upon me! Yes, if ever there was a moment when we needed to be still, it would be now.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that psalm 204 verse, never thought about it before!
Fighting traffic ... uggh. Such an energy drainer.
DeleteNow to figure out how to redeem all that time in the car ...
Happy travels, Betsy!
I too feel like September is a new beginning for me. I recently wondered if I would still feel the same when my kids are much older - no more back to school Sept routine:). This September in particular marks the beginning of many new dreams in my life.
ReplyDelete"If our souls ever needed to linger quietly, to be still, to be refilled by the Holy One who designed each season ... it would be right about now." ~ Amen!
Thanks for sharing, Happy September:)
May your dreams come true this month, Bomi ...
Delete'Be still and know that I am God.' I need this encouragement in every season of the year! Such a sweet reminder, my friend. I hope you're finding time to be still today. Blessings. June
ReplyDeleteThe still and quiet time with God changes us, energizes us, fuels us! I'm puttering outside today. It's truly the best late summer day EVER!
DeleteHope it's the same for you, June ...
I was thinking yesterday that even though it was 94 degrees, I was ready for a pumpkin latte. Bring on fall!
ReplyDeleteIt just seems so early, doesn't it, Sarah?
DeleteBut I here I am arranging beautiful mums outdoors today. Go figure!
;-}
Around this time of year I miss teaching and the bustle of getting a classroom ready and the clean slate that is waiting. Then I take a deep breath, get over it and move on. :) You are right about this being "it's own unique season". This is the time of year I tend to feel more energetic and anticipate the arrival of fall. Hope you are finding peace in this season.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Teresa! Once the oppressive humidity fades away we can breathe deep again and get a bit more energetic. I'm feeling that, too!
DeleteAnd I like it!
;-}
Hi Linda! I really do like Fall the best myself. It's just more comfortable...cooler breezes, changing leaves speak about letting old things die and looking for the new things.
ReplyDeleteI hope you will have a fabulous fall where you are, and that God will bless you abundantly.
Are you doing the 31 days?
Blessings,
Ceil
And this you said --> ' letting old things die and looking for new things.' This is sometimes a hard task, yes? But oh so necessary. Autumn somehow allows us to do this with greater ease.
DeleteI'm see-sawing back and forth on 31 Days. I'm just not feelin' it 100%. How 'bout you?
I've enjoyed reading your gentle writing, Linda. It's always a balm to my hectic mind and encourages me to s l o w down. Thank you.
ReplyDelete{via email}
You've encouraged me this morning with your kind words. Thanks for reading, friend ...
Delete;-}
:). For me, August is the new January! That's because school starts in early August and the resolutions to keep those papers graded and to keep on top of things are fresh in my mind. But no matter when a person's 'new year' starts, it's important to take time every morning for a little quiet time to be still and know that he is in control!
ReplyDeleteAugust is the new January! Ok! Now I know why!
DeleteHope you've sailed through the first month with the greatest of ease, Anita!
;-}
I went past the pumpkin patch today in New Paltz while the temp was spiking at 101. It is hard to believe that cool weather is on the way. BUT I see that the Cape is going to be cooler this coming week than NY. Hooray for me!!!
ReplyDeleteSee ya soon
101, huh?
DeleteAir conditioning on today. Sweatshirts needed tonight.
Go figure, huh?
;-}
I love how you turn our thoughts about Fall upside down a little by asking us to rest and be still in a season that usually is anything but that. I agree that when we are asked to do more and our schedules become more packed are exactly the times that we need to slow down to enjoy the time instead of having it rush by us in a blur. Great words my friend! I hope we both may learn how to really slow down and take it all in this Fall.
ReplyDeleteThere is a happy medium in there, a lovely grace. I find the stillness refreshes and energizes me to enjoy more of the dailyness of life. Plugging into the source of our strength not only grows us spiritually, but gives us that grace and enthusiasm to do life well.
DeleteThinking of you on this back-to-school day as you aren't heading out the door to teach. Wondering what it's like for you, friend ...
Linda,
ReplyDeleteFall has never been one of my favorite seasons because it always signaled the end of summer (which turns out great now that I live in Florida!) but I love your take on it and how you look forward to the new season. These days before the holidays bombard us with rushing around are a great time to listen for the Spirit's whispers and how to enjoy the quiet spaces God provides. And I'm sure you will enjoy the new nuances of fall in your new home! :)
Linda, I love this post and the clean lines of your website! (Visiting from #CoffeeforYourHeart) This time of year with glimpses of the beginning of fall are my favorite times of the year. Fall is my favorite season and since I am no longer a teacher, I savor this "sweet spot"!
ReplyDeleteFall is such a beautiful time of rest...even if one is living in the coastal south and the palm trees don't change hues and shed their fronds. :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite season, for sure!
Delete