Every day is a gift and blessing from God. His power is seen throughout the year, but my favorite season has to be fall. It has football, cool weather, changing leaves, Thanksgiving, and so much that is “just right” rather than extreme. In Kentucky, we can go to Red River Gorge, Mammoth Cave National Park, Cumberland Falls, The Big South Fork, and many other places to see the fall foliage in all their splendor. We can go north of town to Jackson’s Orchard for the best pumpkin patch in the state or take a drive to Shelbyville to Gallrein Farms to see the giant straw pyramid. There are humongous fall festivals from Midway to Harrodsburg to Nicholasville. Fall in Kentucky is beautiful in the woods and at the water.
But it is not just festivities that make fall so fantastic. It’s the weather, with the crisp, cool mornings, the mild, pleasant days, and the sunsets that explode with vivid color. The smell of fireplaces firing up, the fall decor on and in people’s houses, the smell of hot chocolate, and the taste of soups and hearty, stick-to-your rib meals fit for this time of year. What a subtle, but powerful demonstration of God’s nature and character that He gives us so many unanticipated, often uncounted, blessings that go beyond what we would expect (cf. Gen. 1:14; Js. 1:17).
There are some great things to do as a church during this fall season, most of which have become traditions that happen this time of year. First, on October 18, there is Trunk Or Treat and the Chili Cook Off here at the Cumberland Trace church building. This year, we are trying to do even more to make this a community outreach event as well as a fun opportunity for our own families. The next weekend is another great opportunity to invite friends and family as the whole congregation gets together for the (Church) Family Retreat. Tim Lewis, from the North MacArthur church of Christ in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, will be our speaker. We’ll have a great opportunity to fellowship and worship at Big Reedy for this on October 24-25. The following weekend, our teens will have their annual retreat at Big Reedy (October 31-November 1). Then, shortly before Thanksgiving, we’ll have the Leaf Raking for Seniors and Thanksgiving Meals to Seniors and Shut-Ins on November 22.
We’re all going to be busy getting ready for the Holidays and the coming of winter and shorter days, but let’s take full advantage of fall. Let’s use these opportunities to keep inviting people whom we want to hear and study the gospel. Let’s build relationships with one another. Let’s make the most of our time as we try to grow in our service to and relationship with God.
We should say, “Let us now fear the LORD our God, Who gives rain in its season, Both the autumn rain and the spring rain, Who keeps for us the appointed weeks of the harvest” (Jer. 5:24). Thankfully, “He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). Truly, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” (Gen. 8:22). We live for moments, celebrate special days, and even remember certain years. Let us recognize God’s blessings in every season of the year and every season of our lives.
– Neal Pollard
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