“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens … a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance …” Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (NIV)

Happy Fall Y’all! Yes, Fall finally arrived in Northwest Georgia. 

I know – the official first day of Fall was back in September, but that generally doesn’t mean much here. One year we were still swimming in 90-degree weather on October 1^st. 

Not this year though. The pool floats are deflated, put away and the pool is officially closed. Our once super-hot days have been replaced with cool mornings and mild afternoons. However, that doesn’t mean we won’t see another abnormally hot day. 

We are fortunate in Georgia to have four distinct seasons annually. The length of each season will vary year to year, but we get a little bit of everything – sometimes all in one day … or so it seems. 

Especially in the Fall. 

I find it difficult most days to decide what to wear. I’m cold in the morning and ready for a sleeveless shirt by the afternoon. Then, I’m cold again once the sun goes down. A long-standing joke here is if you don’t like the weather stick around, it will change.

Change. 

The seasons of the year change often when we least expect it – like someone flipped a switch and suddenly the weather is different.

Different.

We also experience seasons with our emotions. We can be in a season of great joy followed by a season of sadness to be followed by a season of doubt or gratitude or … you name it. 

Like the weather here, I am in an emotional season that changes when I least expect it. I feel different. Not bad, just different. Things are different.

This week it has been one year since my mother passed away. I knew this anniversary was coming but, just like Fall this year, the emotional season it brought caught me off guard. A thought, a memory, a song, a feeling enters my day and the grief is palatable. 

Also, this week my daughter is getting married. We have been planning for the Big Day for almost a year. I knew this time was coming but just like the warmth of the Fall afternoon sun it excites this Mother of the Bride more than I could’ve ever imagined. The garter made from my wedding dress, the song for the father daughter dance, the vows being written by the bride and groom create an overwhelming feeling of joy and pride.

It’s like all the seasons in one week … one day … minute by minute. 

As unpredictable as the Georgia weather.

I share this today because I know I’m not alone and I know this season will evolve in time and circumstance. I wrap myself in the love of our Heavenly Father and those I hold dear. I truly embrace the words found in Ecclesiastes. 

This is my time to weep and to laugh. 

Today is my time to mourn and later this week is my time to dance. And dance we will – in celebration of our sweet baby girl who found genuine love and happiness and to welcome to our family the young man who captured her heart and ours.

Dear Lord,

I thank you for the years of love and laughter with my mom. For her guidance and grace. Thank you for the joy of the marriage of daughter and the time to celebrate with those we love knowing we carry those who are gone in our hearts. 

Amen.