The open window

This picture of Franny almost seemed to catch a reminiscent, final gaze on what may be among the last of our warm and sunny Fall days. I love the changing of all the seasons, but Fall is my favorite. Unlike other seasons, it is not just about the onset of Autumn, but also the passing of summer--with each falling leaf the carefree days of summer gradually fade, evoking a nostalgic feeling of the relaxing, fun days past, but is also accompanied by a sense of resignation to the transition into a more serious time of year. Kids return to school; we pack up our summer belongings and store them away for another year; we prepare our gardens for a long, dormant winter; and we retreat indoors until the elements are again tempered next Spring. The changing colors are breathtaking, the cooling weather is somehow comforting, and I find this time of year to also be a natural time for introspection and evaluating life.

This year, I much more to reflect on, with two major aspects holding my attention. The timing of the unwelcome transition that has been thrust upon our family is unfortunate, but we are trying our best to embrace the uncertainty with as much grace and optimism as we are able. The circumstances are much more encouraging than the last time we faced this dilemma, but the anxiety and sense of urgency are still an underlying and constant presence. Our new addition to our family seems to both ease and accentuate the anxiety, but it is an incredible joy thatI am determined not to undermine or allow to be overshadowed by our current challenge. I am prepared for wherever our life takes us this next year, and I am anxious to watch the unknown unfold over the upcoming months. Our health, love, and strength will see us to the next open window, of that I am certain. Until then, those same precious things will keep us going with our faith focused on finding it.