autumn Archives - CONSIDER THIS Radio Show with Annette Petrick

Backstory

At a time when we tend to reach out for reminders of normalcy, I sat back and looked around me, trying to find something to focus on that would encourage hope. Here is what came into view, looking ahead.

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Autumn – #630

As I write this for you, the mountains are still gleaming green, as they have, all summer. It’s September, but the tones of autumn have not yet touched the leaves.

Soon, they will lose their summer strength and then EXPLODE with the colors of fall. Such a special time, here in the valley. Folks will travel from afar to witness it for the few special days when nature offers this feast of color and spins the air with the fresh fall smell.

Before we know it, the leaves will have fallen and the cold will take over. Sharp breezes and stinging winds and rain and snow. There will be winter days of dazzling, ice-covered beauty and days of danger and inconvenience as snow interferes with daily comings and goings.

And just when we’ve had enough, those tiny crocus will stick their heads up, sometimes from under the snow, with their promise of springtime. And suddenly, before you know it, the world comes to life again in full spring glory.

What a miracle. And it happens, year in and year out. It sweeps through holidays and vacations and visits and events. I never get tired of the progression. I love it, look forward to it, plan for it. Because we can always be assured, it will happen again, ready or not.

[Show #630]

P.S.

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” Early American poet, Anne Bradstreet

Backstory

It’s been a summer like none other. You may have missed the beach this year, and picnics and the fun of gatherings with loud noise and laughter and joy. Yet the days for those events passed even as the cancellations piled up. And here we are.

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As Summer Moves On – #539

Summer always seems to end too soon. We’re watching flowers blossom and bloom, birds and bees are doing their thing, and suddenly one day we see that an early tree is losing its leaves. The deep shades of green on the landscape are fading, the grass is taking on a golden tone. It seems to be Mother Nature’s reminder that nothing lasts forever.

No longer can we head out the door barefoot and jacketless. Now the autumn weather requires preparation and thought to keep from being caught somewhere cold and damp. The autumn breeze that cools things down also sets the scene for other changes. New teachers, the new schools, new subjects to study, new wardrobes and new political or philosophical considerations. New friends require rethinking. Some of the values you carried in light of their newly expressed values.

Organizations restart up their activities after the summer hiatus. And you have to choose where you will volunteer and what next year’s passion will be.

And then there is the big issue of balance between work, family, church, community service and your own social life. There may be a new love in your coming winter or a new hobby, or a new favorite haunt.

So much to look forward to that you almost forgive summer for moving on.

P.S.

Whether your autumn participation is in person or Zoomably, our work continues, our interests expand, our community service increases. We figure out how to make it work. Be kind. Keep loving. Above all, take steps to stay safe.

[Show #539]