It's been the most magnificent fall this year.
Everyone has said so. I had thought, since we did not have an abundance of rain, but certainly no drought, the leaves might have just turned brown and fallen off.
But no. The colors were spectacular. The sun streaming through the trees and sparkling off the golds and yellows of the forests made it a dazzling trip to our cottage each time I drove out there. And the reds were bright, crimsons strong, the oranges and amber colors interspersed with the chartreuse painted a gorgeous palette through the mountains.
And the leaves stayed on the trees for so long. Actually, they have just now completely come off the trees at home. Awaiting the annual leaf raking marathon that we do each year. This year it seems late. I guess the unseasonably warm temperatures make it seem like summer is lingering on.
I think that fall is almost more beautiful than spring. Spring brings shades of green but fall surrounds us with all the colors of the spectrum.
But in the midst of all the beauty, this fall has brought, sorrow.
The television is full of it. A raid, a riot, an attack, confusion.
But still four dead.
And I know the heartache and pain that families are going through. And November 8th comes racing back. I know the agony that the wives are experiencing, And the heartaches their mom's are suffering. Their sons, husbands, brothers and fathers are gone. Taken from them in a far away land.
And tears pour down my face, knowing the road they will have to travel. Not only in these days and months, but years.
And I pray....Lord, comfort them with the comfort only you can bring. Show them your love. And protect them under the shadow of your wing.
