Yet here on the back porch, I am calmed. There is a feeling of nature here – even amongst the two and three story, minimal lot-line houses in the development they live in. As I look out, to my right is a section of woods on slopes so steep that I pray the developers never find a way to conquer and develop there. The tall trees line and overshadow the banks of a small creek that I cannot see except in my mind’s eye, but I know it is there for the manicured pond in front and to my right empties into it. The wind is blowing the 54 degree air causing the not yet fallen leaves to murmur with one voice. They speak loudly today, but even when they are silent, I know they are singing praises to their creator, to God.

In this place all is alive and bursting in song – in love and adoration – to the holiest of holies, God the father. In this moment, I close my eyes and drink Him in. I do not hear his voice, but I can feel his love and it warms me to my core.

Galatians 5:16

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

Galatians 5:22-23a

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

The leaves on the trees are just beginning to change. They are still mostly green, with those on the top and toward the south gradually becoming yellow, then orange, then a brilliant fiery red. It is, I am sure, no unplanned decision that the leaves facing the Sun are the first to change. Perhaps they are attempting to reflect the Sun’s brilliance, it’s beauty, it’s power. Or perhaps, this morning, just for my education, they are a visible demonstration of change I can expect when I focus on the Son.