The Harvest

by Pam McCormick

Pumpkins, fall leaves, warm apple cider with a cinnamon stick, walking on leaf-covered trails, and hearing them crunch under my feet. Seeing an array of colors, of reds, yellows, and blues.

Blue, you say. There are no blue leaves in the fall. I know, but I like to imagine there is. I love to think about beautiful things.

One of my favorite songs is “My Favorite Things” by Rodgers and Hammerstein.” This is just one verse.

“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens, brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things. When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I’m feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things and then I don’t feel so bad.”

Getting excited when a cache of fireflies shows up, and I’m totally amazed at how they brighten the surrounding night when we’re camping.

Making my very first pumpkin pie from scratch and hearing the judge say, “You did well.”

Lighting candles in my house and smelling their aroma permeating the room.

Putting my Christmas tree up in October, because I love to see the twinkling white lights and hoping my kitty doesn’t want to climb it.

Walking down a sidewalk and my husband gives me a big sideways hug.

Sitting on our deck that’s falling apart, and enjoying our firepit, as we watch Christmas lights on our deck that stay there year-round; they twinkle and just make us feel wonderful. It doesn’t matter that the deck is falling apart. I’m with the man I love, and my focus is on him, and I must confess to the brilliance of the lights too.

Remembering beautiful friends who have loved on me and made me feel like I am loved, and were there encouraging me all along the way. I am grateful.

Remembering the gift of life God gave to me and thanking God for dying for me and including me in His family.

Recalling God’s faithfulness to me and celebrating His Goodness, His mercies, His blessings that came, because God is good all the time.

Taking a moment to remember all God has done is good. What I don’t remember, I forget. I am thankful God helps me out with remembering.

My husband buying a bacon press, because he knows I love bacon.

Falling down the side of a mountain and not falling into the deep ravine below.

Having my granddaughters visit and oh, how they make me laugh. Seeing my children doing well in their chosen careers

How many other blessings are there? I’m counting my blessings, God. Thank you.

“Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things He does for me.” (Psalms 103.2 NLT)

“How abundant are the good things that You have stored up for those who fear you, that You bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in You.” (Psalms 31:19)

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable... If anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

When I let go of who I thought I was and embraced whom God says I am in Christ, I rose. I am me.

God brings beauty from ashes. I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony. I don’t know where God will lead me next, but I trust in Him. It’s enough that He knows. I’m so grateful for where He has me today. God loved me and got me here. I never saw it coming, but God saw it. “His favor surrounds me.” (Psalms 5:12)

Photo by Karen Ruhl

Photo by Karen Ruhl