Leaves Change. God’s Love Never Will.

“You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with richness. The pastures of the wilderness overflow; the hills clothe themselves with joy” — Psalm 65:11-13

Fall has always been my favorite season. Having grown up outside of Rochester, and having lived in western New York for most of my life, I’m always delighted when the days get shorter and a little cooler. Summer certainly has its benefits, and the snow and wonder of winter are lovely, but for me, fall is the best.

There is just something about the way that things come together in these weeks of fall that have captured my heart since childhood. All these years later I still delight to hear the swish and crunch of fallen leaves beneath my feet, and I watch the joy on my four daughters’ faces as they do the same. When I’m outside this time of year, I understand what the psalmist is saying calling it the “crown” of the year. In the cycle of seasons, fall is fullness and fruit of all these months of growth. Fall is the crowning achievement and glory of creation. The beauty, abundance and generosity of this world God made are on full display. This is what the green growth of spring and summer have been building toward. The fruitful harvest from area farms and gardens are celebrated in this psalm. These are gifts, to be received and enjoyed with gratitude and wonder. This world God made is producing bountifully. Our fall festival of gratitude, Thanksgiving, occurs at the end of this wonderful season for a good reason. These things crown the year.

Even though it’s an annual occurrence, it’s good for us to see. To step back and admire the abundant beauty and richness of the world. The leaves’ colorful display is a temporary treat each year, and a reminder of the beauty and bounty of this world. They’re a vivid annual reminder of blessing and the gifts we receive from God, and from the ground. They’re a sign pointing the way toward gratitude for the produce of fields and pastures, and all that nourishes our bodies.

The beauty of the fall leaves brings me so much joy. I know I’m not alone. Many of us this time of year delight in God’s creation, even as we go about our daily tasks. Driving in our cars, or walking outside we see the trees put on a beautiful display of reds, yellows and oranges. The words of this psalm give us the perfect poetic picture, in these autumn colors, “the hills clothe themselves with joy.” If you haven’t yet, take some time to enjoy the fall foliage, and enjoy the colors of the leaves, that crown the year, and clothe the trees and hills with joy.

Phil Roushey is the pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Frewsburg. He lives there with his wife, Rachel, and their four daughters. He previously served churches in Vermont and Minnesota.