“I sing for joy at the work of Your hands.”

Psalm 92:46

We are so blessed to live where we experience four distinct seasons. Each season has a beauty of its own. Autumn, however, with its amazing colours is my favourite! It seems to outdo the others, and I can’t get enough of this splendor—a gift from the Master Artist.

We live near a park with lovely walking trails, and there are tall trees to shade us when the day is warm. Here we also can enjoy the songs of a variety of birds.

Alone, on a recent walk, I enjoyed the autumn colours beginning their showy display of reds and gold mixed among the green. Sunlight filtered through the trees, drawing special attention to individual leaves. Absolutely stunning!

The song “For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies…” filled my thoughts. I felt like singing, but wanted to respect other people who were out walking. For me, it definitely was a time of worship.

I greeted another woman as we met. “Aren’t the colours amazing?” I asked. “So beautiful!” “Yes, I guess they are,” she replied, missing the splendor, and then almost immediately pointed to a tree and added, “This tree is dead! It needs to be removed.”

Her comment made me think. How often do we notice the negative things around us and focus on them? Not only in objects, but also (more importantly) in people. Many people are dealing with stress and difficult circumstances. Am I quick to judge, or can I rather say something that is kind and encouraging? Do I sometimes miss the opportunity to brighten someone’s day and show them that I care? (Philippians 4:8)

My life is filled with abundant blessings now. But things can change in a moment. Will I remember to sing praises when circumstances change?

Am I noticing those who are going through sad and difficult times? Maybe those who notice the negative things need our prayers, not our criticism. Even though I don’t know them or their circumstances, God does. My prayer is that He would help me to be sensitive and kind to each person I meet.

Thank you, God, for the beauty of the world You have created.

-Cornerstone Member