I really do love this time of year. Everything is beautiful. Yeah, there's homework and lot of other nonsense that tries to get me down but then a beautiful leaf falls gently from above tickling my arm on the way down and with that tiny sensation I fully recall how much I enjoy this season.
I pick up the leaf because there is a part of me that wants to keep it forever thinking that somehow the thin brittle object holds the power to make me suddenly happy. I think if a keep it forever I will always remember and be happy forever. But that's not true. I've tried it before. I still have them and I still love them but a person can only collect and keep so many leaves in their lifetime. If you know me, you know that I don't like the cold but there is something so excellent about a crisp morning with cold dew covering everything. (Notice it's cold and not frozen. Frozen dew is not half so wonderful.) I love the way the fog clings to the trees on my way to school and gives the whole world a dreamy feel. And one of my favorite things of all is the way the sun cuts through the trees and the fog and splits into awesome rays of pure light. It makes me want to pull over the can and run wild into the clearing to throw myself into the sparkling beam. (I promise you they do sparkle they way you see all the particles in the air swirling in the breeze.)
All of this is just to encourge you to take time to smell, not just the roses, but the leaf the falls on your shoulder and the brand new note book you open which is blank and stiff. Take time to look up and see what you think that astounding white cloud looks like. Take time to notice how cute everyone looks all bundled in their sweatshirts. Take time to notice the horses giving up some of their summer sheen for warmer winter wear too. Take a moment and step off the sidewalk. Crunch in the leaves and kick them up into the air. Let people laugh if they want because you appreciate each moment in life and its variability.
Take a minute to thank God for the life you have and for each moment of pure happiness we are blessed with. Set your worries and bitterness aside. Thank God for giving you this special day that He has made and for opening your eyes wide enough to see it! It's a gift from Him. All of it.
