“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess 5:18)

Fall has long been my favorite season. As a child, I looked forward to the first day of school when I would see my friends again. The sport I enjoyed most—basketball—started in the fall.

When I was diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder as an adult, I dreaded fall because it meant I was that much closer to winter, when the worst of my symptoms would hit.

In the last few years, I’ve made an effort to enjoy the fall season once again. And now, as we wait for the pandemic to pass, I’ve found I must be even more intentional about looking for good, positive things. Instead of wishing my life away, hoping for the pandemic to be over, I’m finding bright spots in the ordinary, in the everyday. These things remind me that I’m still alive, God is still near, and I still have much for which to be thankful.

Enjoying cooler weather

Fall brings cooler days, which is better walking weather. Cooler temperatures benefit both me and my Yorkie companion, Lilly, since neither of us handles the extreme heat of Oklahoma summers too well. Walking in the fall provides more opportunities to get outside and enjoy God’s beauty.

Cooking with the oven

In Oklahoma, summer months are a time for cooking on the stove, crockpot, or Instapot. Anything to avoid turning on the oven. It heats the house, and then the air conditioner works harder to keep up. With cooler weather comes more opportunities to bake healthy dishes and even desserts. Every time I turn on the oven to bake chicken or roast vegetables, I’m thankful.

Decorating for fall

Years ago, I decorated my yard with pumpkins, gourds, and hay bales. I borrowed the hay from my uncle Venoy, who later used it for his horses. I still love decorating with both the yard and the house with the vibrant colors of fall. Sometimes I decorate for Halloween as well—there are so many cute black cats and dogs wearing costumes to set out.

Celebrating the holidays

Fall ushers in the holiday season. The fun of Halloween gives way to the more somber Thanksgiving and then the joy of Christmas. I know many people, including myself, have wished in the past for things to slow down so that we can enjoy the season more. Well, this year, we’ll most likely get our wish. The holiday season will look different this year, just as everything else has. This fall, I want to truly focus on thankfulness and the anticipation of Christ’s birth without all the distractions a busy life brings.

What are you looking forward to this fall? How does this fall look different for you?

Dear Jesus, help me to focus on the good things you’ve provided. Whether big or small, exciting or mundane, show me how to focus on the positive things in my life. Remind me of those things and draw me closer to you each day. Amen.