Happy new year...(in September)

September is my 'new year'. For a lot of reasons. But every year, for as long as I can remember, something happens when I smell ripening apples on the wind and see the cornstalks start to yellow. My whole body quickens when I see the fullness in the fields and begin to anticipate the harvest. It becomes the time for me to review the year that is passing, and plan for the next.

Tonight, my eyes were filled with these things: the harvest moon, the chill in the air, a few stressed trees that already burning brightly (about a month or so before the others give up their green), summer flowers slowly fading, and harvest flowers that just beginning to bud.

Being in the garden tonight was beautiful....and daunting.

I didn't get to tend my roses this summer, so they are very overgrown. The buds are still quite full on some of them. The butterfly bushes are almost finished but they are still full of bees, and butterflies....monarchs just finishing up their season. Hummingbirds have long since flown away. The ladybugs haven't quite begun their march....

There is a quiet hush that comes into my spirit when I step into my backyard. I can spend hours there. Just listening to the hum of creation in the tiny garden that is 'mine'.

I'm no green thumb - that's my mom's role when she drops by once a week. She helps me manage what I can't seem to get done. All but the roses. And this year, they are too much for either of us.

September is time to start making plans for next year. What do we transplant? How do we prepare for the winter? What kind of flowers do we want for spring? and when is the best time to plant those bulbs? What's in the forecast? And what busyness is on the calendar? The good news is that plants are very forgiving when we don't quite get it right....

So, it's in that rhythm of planting during the harvest that captures my spirit.

Patterns of sowing and reaping.
Planting while harvesting.
Planning the next season,
while taking in the beauty of the present.

And the sweet smell on the wind,
is one of change...

They all blend to make me ask this question, from a place that in my heart that is more real than I'm used to really saying... yes Lord, what is your will?

Usually, it's just then that my eyes turn upward and I see birds inverting their spring formations as they gather before nesting at dusk. Flying in circles for the time being, but many will soon be on their way to warmer places. Until then, their evening dances catch my attention...and I enjoy their company.

So, tonight, I'm thinking 'new year' thoughts. I'm not certain how well I've walked out this past year. But I'm thankful for the deep moments with friends, family...and especially with Jesus.

As I look forward, I'm again seeking change.
There is just so much more to life.

So much more to learn.

SO much for to give thanks.
And I'm praying that as this next year arrives, I'll find new joy, and new hope.
... and new dreams.

Psalm 103