This summer was especially hot. It started early. It wasn’t in June or even May, the heat actually started in March. I mowed the lawn twice in what would be considered winter in Chicagoland. The temperature rose to 85 for 2 weeks. Several days in March we were the hottest place in the nation.

In late June we had a terrible wind storm which toppled so many trees that the power was off for days. By the way, this loss of power was over the Fourth of July and festivities were cancelled. The days without power were also the hottest in 20 years. It was over 100 degrees for four days straight. In Chicagoland that means something! It was also also very dry. Lawns dried out and trees began to die if they weren’t healthy. It was a long summer, one I’m thankful to have lived through and one I do not want to repeat any time soon.

I sit to write this post with all these thoughts in mind as I look out my picture window. Summer has gone and autumn (fall) has come. It is early October and the air has a cool feel though today the temps rose to 80. I’m very thankful for the cooler change.

My inspiration comes as I ponder the view through the glass of our window. Rain has recently ended. It’s evening and the clouds are parting in the west as the sun hangs low in the sky. Sun beams cast their brilliance on the tree tops across the street. They have a glowing ethereal presence. The reds and yellows seem almost electric in their illumination. I could look at this scene indefinitely. It ministers to my soul.

Isn’t it interesting how change of season and addition of color and light in our environment can change the way we experience ourselves in the midst of life. I am inspired by such beauty and constantly reminded of the Great Artist paints with changing leaves and sun beams. I am brought to a state of awe as ponder God’s many gracious acts as the gifts that they are.

The change of season happens due to tilt and rotation of earth around sun. That is scientifically accurate. However, beauty and inspiration from such is beyond science. The way photons strike a leaf in the evening and then strike my retina communicating information through my optic nerve to my brain cannot explain why I respond with peace, satisfaction, and thanksgiving.

Take time today to notice beauty! It is a gift indeed.