James 1:17 NIV — Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Saturday will be the first day of fall 2023. Is fall your favorite season? What comes to mind when you think of fall? In South Carolina fall means having slightly cooler temperatures, leaves beginning to turn colors, and the appearance of yellow butterflies. Click here to read an article about what a yellow butterfly symbolizes in various cultures.

While I love the weather change – the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, and the sighting of yellow butterflies fluttering around – at the same time all of those signal for me a flash of sadness. Fall reminds me of the end of my favorite season of summer. Fall also symbolizes a time years ago when my family suffered the loss of the matriarch of our family, my grandmother, who we called Mother. Exactly a week from her funeral, my Uncle Buddy passed away. Both Mother and Uncle Buddy had been living with my family so their deaths greatly impacted each of us. For years, fall brought on a time of sadness for me. However, as I mentioned, now the sadness is just for a flash. Now, as fall approaches, I use the flash of sadness to be a catalyst for a time of thanksgiving. Fall reminds me of the blessings of having Mother and Uncle Buddy in my life and for that I am most thankful. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for fall. As summer leaves and fall begins, I am reminded of all You have blessed me with and I am so thankful. When I see a yellow butterfly, may I be reminded to be an instrument of praise and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.