I'm not quite sure why I've always been so fond of autumn, but ever since I was a young girl, it's been my absolute favorite time of year. The changing colors of the leaves, the cool, crisp air, the cider and pumpkins and football and plaid and bonfires. {As I entered adult-hood and went to work in the fashion industry, I also came to appreciate the goodnesses that are scarves and hats and boots, oh my!}
One thing is sure, where I come from {Missouri}, October 1st has always been my favorite day of the year {other than Jesus' birthday, of course}, because it marks the great return of my favorite month and season. It's the start of something new and fresh and lovely. It's like God knew I'd need this season to be reminded of how through the dying of things, He is actually making them new.
That's true for me this year, too, although I'm not home in Missouri, but instead, I'm in beautiful, green Cambodia. He's made me new in so many ways, but it has taken a lot of dying to get there. I've let my leaves fall where they may, and learned how to trust Him as He takes me around this beautiful world into new seasons and on great Kingdom journeys.
I'm lying here tucked beneath my mosquito net, in our tin-roof, cement floor house, with lizards the size of my forearm crawling on me, rats the size of a small child running around outside, cows trying to make their way through our front door, and chickens roaming wild and free, acting like they own the place. Frogs chirp outside from the swampy, water-covered-land, and we have one small light that hangs from a string in the corner of the room all 6 of us are sharing. We have a squatty potty 40 yards away, and we are so, so blessed.
So what did I do with my October 1st this year?
Well, it was a day of rest for me, mandated by my lovely team-mates who know I have a hard time with rest in general. I took my cold bucket shower, ate noodles and kale for breakfast, and crawled back under my net, eager to dive into the Word, which truthfully, I haven't read much of lately. I read all of 1 Corinthians over the span of 3 hours, really taking my time and pondering everything Paul was saying to the people of Corinth, people just like you and me.
The main things I took away for every season are:
+ I will boast in Christ alone. Everything else is empty and futile.
+ I can decide to know nothing else among the world except Jesus Christ & Him crucified.
+ We cannot fathom the things God has prepared for those of us who love Him.
+ God's Spirit dwells in us {I often forget the breadth of that Truth}.
+ Without Love, we are nothing and have nothing.
+ GOD IS NOT A GOD OF CONFUSION BUT OF PEACE.
Such rich, good stuff, eh? Paul really is the coolest, and I can feel his brotherly love even in today's age.
So, although my day didn't consist of wearing a beautiful scarf, or drinking a Pumpkin Spice Latte, or sitting in a quaint coffee shop, journaling, I'd say it was far more blessed than any other October 1st I've had yet. As the days go on, I'm finding it harder and harder to really describe what this year has been and done to me, but this new season can only mean one thing: NEW LIFE.
I'm so excited for all that entails.
Thank you for the reminder, October 1st.
P.S.- I just watched "You've Got Mail", and forgot how much I totally love that movie. It makes me want to move to New York City and own a little book store and get a Golden Retriever puppy.
P.P.S-I'm learning it really does take a whole village to raise a child, and I'm grateful to witness the Kingdom come to life in that way here in Kampong Speu, Cambodia.
P.P.P.S.-I had the opportunity to visit one of the great Wonders of the World last week, Angkor Wat, during our squad's mini debrief. Take a look:
