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“The autumn of life is a season of ripened fruit, not fading glory.”

- Elisabeth Elliot

Here we are in the late harvest season, and as we look at the fading leaves, we enjoy the apples, pears, pumpkins and other produce that have ripened and now appear in our stores. In the agricultural areas, we’re harvesting the last of the grains and produce from the fields while hunters harvest wild game to stock their freezers with fresh meat. God’s bounty is set before us to gather and enjoy as we nourish our bodies with good things and share with others the fruits of our labor. Some years are leaner than others, but those times make us appreciate the good seasons so much more.

Remember the song, “Turn, Turn, Turn” by Pete Seeger with the words from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8? I’m not sure why, but to me this all-seasons song seems to find its way back to me every fall. You might remember the harmonies of The Byrds singing it, but I particularly like to hear Judy Collins with her guitar and clear soprano voice and simplicity.

The autumn season lends itself to simplicity before the extravagance of what we call “the holiday season.” Give me simple, please, but let me be extravagant in thanksgiving to God.

The Elisabeth Elliot quote really spoke to me this past week with the realization that this, my favorite season of the year, is also my own season in life. I can look back throughout my early seasons—the newness and growth in the spring years of childhood and young adulthood, then the long summer of work and raising a family and seeing them off into the world. Now I am at the end of my autumn years and have seen how this season in life is like fall. I’ve aged and mellowed (hopefully like a good wine or fine cheese) so that I can recall the past with more understanding than I had in my earlier years. I’ve grown closer to God and find it’s easier to look to His wisdom rather than my own. I have a deeper trust in the Lord of the harvest, knowing that we reap what we sow—whether good or bad—but always with Him caring and watching over us.

This November, take time to enjoy the little things in life that are too often taken for granted. Be grateful for all that you do have, no matter whether its plentiful or just barely enough (I’ve known both in my life). Let this season of harvest reap the benefits of God’s grace in your soul. And no matter what season of life you are in, be thankful.

What are you thankful for in this season of your life? Let me know in the comments section below, and keep the conversation going!