We can debate pumpkin spice vs. apple all you want. Autumn is upon us. I couldn’t be more thrilled. Cooler temperatures. Hoodies. The crunching of the fallen leaves beneath my feet. And the colors. All the colors. I want to capture them all. Like pilots chase sunsets, I chase the autumnal leaf peak.
For weeks leading up to the season itself, I monitor websites predicting when and where the peak will happen. In my mind’s eye, I will drive or walk to the most beautiful, serene area, walk silently amidst the fall foliage and bask in God’s presence. I will hear God’s voice directly and succinctly. I will listen, trust, and obey. Reality check. Wake up, woman.
While those websites generally predict when the peak will happen, weather, unreliable data, or other factors may affect the actual peak event. I forgot to read the fine print on that. I spend more time chasing and less time capturing. Part of me does enjoy the chase. If I’m in just the right place at the right time, I might just capture a cornucopia of colors and hear God’s still, small voice.
This year in particular, the unpredictability of peaks, especially the pandemic variety, comes to mind. We have websites with predictive data models. We have an ever-growing amount of scientific knowledge and research. But like the leaf situation, we just don’t know exactly when the peak will be or what the future holds. The good news is we do know who holds the future: a loving and faithful God.
The journey continues. As we make our way forward into the unknown, God has us. Keep your eyes open. Keep listening. Keep chasing the sunsets and leaf peaks. You may just get a peek of God’s glory. God is present, active, and speaking through it all.