Seasons aren't something I've been privileged to see much of during my life.  As we drive around here (“here“ being our temporary relocation to the midwest) we already hear our kids commenting on the beautiful colors we're seeing as Autumn approaches.  Despite being in the midst of a heat wave right now, I'm looking forward to the steady crisp Fall air.  I love the excuse to bundle up in a blanket and drink hot tea (not something you get often enough in Texas).  It's even better when that blanket is shared with my wonderful husband.  To me, Fall is a symbol of shedding the old and preparing for something new.  It's one of the reasons I do a big portion of my clearing out and organizing in the fall rather than the spring. 

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.  He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. "  John 15:1-2 (NIV)

In a lot of ways, I feel like the Lord is currently taking me through a Spiritual autumn, purging old sins and distorted belief systems.   Unfortunately, I don't think a Spiritual autumn is nearly as beautiful as it's seasonal counterpart.  Perhaps it's because I'm the "tree", feeling the pain of the crisp changing air and the removal of what I've been clinging to.  As the sin and beliefs change and begin to fall at my feet, I feel naked before the world and the Lord.  Vulnerable.  I know I'll be better for it come the Spiritual spring but it doesn't make this time any easier.  And yet, to God the fleecing is a beautiful sight.  He delights in the colorful changes of my soul and begs me to rest in Him during the process.

I'll be honest, if a harsh winter follows this autumn, I am not looking forward to it.  However, just as God controls the seasons on this planet, He has a purpose for the seasons in our life....no matter how beautiful or difficult they may be.