FALL MORNING

Written by Luz Leigh

12 October 2007

      The morning air was close to perfect. The temperature was in the mid-60s with a very low humidity. I decided this was the time I needed to leave the comfort of my rocking chair and venture outdoors. Before doing so, I prepared a pan of cornbread which I placed in the oven, and turned the volume on my stereo up loud so I could hear one of my favorite contemporary Christian artists, Michael W. Smith. Although my music is loud enough for me to enjoy, it is not a nuisance to my neighbors. I have walked to the edge of my property to make sure the sound does not carry that far.

      Once in the backyard, I could hear things of nature that the Lord had for me to enjoy. In the distance were some chickens cackling, neighborhood dogs were having a conversation among themselves, the pesky crows were bragging about how many pecan trees they had invaded since early morning, and the kitten was grooming herself as she enjoyed the sun’s warm rays.

      Far in the distance I could hear a few vehicles traveling on the nearest highway. Because of the time of day, not many cars were on the road.

      With my trusty “pecan-picker-upper” gadget, I began to pick up the few pecans that were left after my friendly little squirrels had finished gathering their share of the nuts. That is alright; there will be plenty for them and me. More nuts will fall in the next few days.

      As I breathed in the fresh, cool air my thoughts turned to the times as a child when my daddy would arrive home from the forest and tell me that before long he would be bringing some persimmons for me to enjoy. But, he reminded me, persimmons’ favor is enhanced by a frost, so we would have to wait a few more weeks. Do you suppose someone will bring me persimmons this fall?

      There was nothing spectacular about my morning outing, but I kept thinking of all the blessings our Father gives to us each day. Many times we take those blessings for granted, never pausing to utter even a brief thank you. Except for the crows, everything that I heard, saw or sensed was appreciated by me. I’m sure there is a purpose for the crows, but I have yet to learn what it is. HE made the animals and birds of the air to inhabit His new world long ago. Noah helped save the exact number of creatures that the Lord instructed him to carry with him and his family into the ark.

      “This is the day which the Lord hath made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24. Each day when we arise, this should be our praise to Him.

      Suddenly the aroma of freshly baking cornbread wafted through the air, touching my nostrils. Time to go into the kitchen, warm the homemade vegetable soup and enjoy my brunch. I really wish cornbread was mentioned in the Bible; but I suppose we Southerners can still be thankful for that delicacy even without Biblical blessing.

      Jesus set an example for us to follow when, in Luke 22, He gave thanks before partaking of the bread and wine during what we call the Last Supper. From my earliest memory, our family never began a meal without giving thanks to our Father. We carried that tradition into our lives as our children joined my husband and me. It is still a constant with us.

      So, I say thank you, Father, for Your blessings of this day. How great Thou art.