Fall has arrived, which brings about glimpses of cooler evenings and special gatherings with family and friends. For many, autumn is also a season of appreciating the bounty which the Lord has provided.

Fall is a time of gathering the harvest of various crops. While I have not personally delved into planting edible crops, I have grown to appreciate planting ornamental flowers and shrubs. One of my favorite flowers to grow originally came from my Great-Grandmother Barnum’s collection. These moonflowers have the most pleasant, almost citrusy, aroma. They also produce pods that are packed full of seeds. For me, fall is a time of collecting these seed pods before they burst open. Once these pods open, the seeds are scattered. 

While the resulting flowers are certainly enjoyable, it also becomes nearly impossible to gather all the seeds. If left to their own devices, these flowers can become invasive, taking over the whole yard. I’ve heard stories of my Great-Grandfather Barnum throwing these pods into a pile and the entire area around it being filled with moonflowers. I’m thankful to have been given seeds from this “heirloom plant” so that I can carry on the family tradition of growing these flowers which produce quite the bounty.

Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given
you the autumn rains because he is faithful. He sends you
abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before.
Joel 2:23

How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you.
You lavish it on those who come to you for protection,
blessing them before the watching world.
Psalm 31:19

Praise the Lord that He is the God of every season! He is the One who puts the changes of seasons into place. The seasons and the blessings that they bring are among the many testaments to God’s faithfulness. He sets the sun and moon in place and tells them what to do (Psalm 104:19). 

In a similar way to the bountiful harvest that is gathered in fall, God has many blessings stored up for His people (Psalm 31:19). He possesses goodness in abundance, along with His other characteristics. Let us join together and praise God for His faithfulness that is evident in all seasons.

Love in Christ,
Adam