My Favorite Week of the Year

Dear mid-October,

Thank you for turning aspen leaves gold and the sky pure blue

Thank you for giving us weather unmatched by any other time of year

More than enough reason to come together, all of us

And bask in Autumn's crisp, clear air

And brilliant light

How blessed are we to fill our arms with children

Our hearts with their memories young and flourishing

To watch them grow in wonder

Pure delight

Thank you for giving us pumpkins big and round

For cornstalks and barrel rides

For savoring these days as precious gems

 Rejoicing in the gifts of harvest

And the magic of creation all around

Each year I'm touched by your warmth; held captive by your sights and smells

I cannot imagine a more perfect time to count my blessings

and give thanks to the One who made the seasons and all their changings

Humbly loved and celebrated,

I delight in my birthday week and welcome 28 years

(and 7 months pregnant)!

May the joys of this season carry on

Lingering in my heart and soul

Reminding me to give thanks in all circumstances

Rejoicing always

And again,

Rejoice