By A. Ray Lee

Columnist 

From my patio, I am enjoying the cool foggy mornings of early September. Intermittent rain showers have given a pleasant respite from the sweltering heat and drought of summer while bringing a premonition of coming events as the change of seasons continues unabated. Nature has seemed to pause briefly while the harvest is brought in but is preparing for the chill of winter when the cycle of seasons will be completed. 

There are signs of autumn all around. The few pecans that survived the drought are maturing but squirrels and birds have already begun to eat those that remain even before they are fully mature. An abundance of yellowing leaves clog the gutters of the house despite the gutter guards installed earlier in the year. Grass and weeds which had seemed to be dead have revived enough to hastily shoot up seed bearing stems to insure their species will survive for another year.  

Pesky squirrels are busily hiding away acorns for food when winter comes. Little Sophia keeps trying to catch one but is mocked from a branch of the big oak tree which shades much of the yard. Gunshots sounding from hunters beyond the woods tell me the migration of doves has started. Even the visiting hummingbirds which had co-existed peacefully for months taking turns to suck up the life-giving nectar suddenly squabble around the feeder hour upon hour as they prepare for the long migratory flight they will soon be taking. The mockingbird’s song has gone silent. The nesting season has passed.  

There is steadfastness and order in nature. It moves unerringly according to principles and power instilled by the Divine Creator.  

Writing about the lives of mankind, the author of Ecclesiastes assures that “to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens.” Words of a much-loved hymn remind us of God’s faithfulness.  “Summer and winter, spring-time and harvest, sun, moon and stars in their courses above, join with all nature in manifold witness to thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. Great is thy faithfulness, morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand has provided: Great is they faithfulness, Lord unto me.” 

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