i went for a walk today after putting my daughter on the school bus. it was a beautiful, cool late summer morning, and i was blessed to be able to spend it outside taking in the loveliness of the countryside. i am so thankful to be able to live in such a beautiful, safe place!
last wednesday was the first day of school. for the first time in her school career, hannah had to wear a light jacket on the first day. we could see our breath as we walked. for those of you who know me personally, you will realize how special those simple details were for me. i had been away from "home" for almost a decade, and longed for it terribly while i was gone. what i missed the most were the four distinct seasons that we have here in the north east. while i was living in NC, it was common to have summer-like weather until the end of october and beyond. autumn was no more than a passing thought. unless you count the NC winters as being autumn, the temperatures were pretty comprable for that, but the beauty of the changing leaves was long gone by the time it was cool enough for a jacket. i never got used to warm weather and leaves falling at the same time. now, as each day passes and summer begins to fade, i can feel the promise fall in the air. the wonderful crisp mornings and evenings, the clear air, and leaves that are already begining to change their hues-all of these things make me ever more grateful that God has given me the gift of once again being "home".
this is what makes me smile:
having our own apple tree.
