What's That In The Air?

                                          (Picture taken by my friend Larry Nielsen. )

Stepping outside morning as I was taking my daughter to an early morning babysitting job, I felt my senses assaulted.

But not in the usual way.

The usual way is a visceral blow to the entire body, a frontal attack of surrounding, sweating proportions. Humidity and heat are not my friend! The sudden sauna effect of Florida airspace. I am wilting again just at the memory!

Today was different.

Instantly, as I opened the front door, deliciously, my skin and senses were surrounded and caressed by cool, need I say, frigid (at least compared to the week's other mornings) bliss! Arrested for the moment, I stopped and breathed deeply. I think it has finally arrived, my friend, Autumn. Now before you think I have become delusional and unstable in thought (Yes, I know you already think that i am only stating the obvious), Autumn has arrived in Florida for the moment. I know, I know it will once again turn blisteringly hot and oppressive and sticky and sweaty and..... But just for the moment, the coolness wrapped like a garment around me and that little voice inside my head said:

"Why, Oh Why don't I live in Colorado?"

I was born for the mountains, lush pine trees, verdant fields and thinness of air. The flutter of hummingbirds wings in the dewy freshness of dawn's first light. The comforting aroma of hot, sweet coffee, my lone companion on the porch swing. The rosy hue, the tint of pure light welcomes me for another day above ground.

I think that Autumn holds such a place in my heart not because it conjures up memories past of school and football and hayrides and campfires but because it holds such promise for the months leading up to spring. Dark quiet cold mornings, wrapped in my blanket as I make my way to my prayer corner. Intimate times of communion and ancient prayers between my Creator and me. This season is the time to hunker down and recharge, refilling my soul with that which I will need for the journey. There seems to be more family time inside, deepening relationships around the dinner table and the game table. My time for catching up on the pile of books next to my bed, in my office, in the bathroom and on my iPod. Time for self reflection and dedication anew to the preparation for the coming season of Nativity and onward to the Resurrectional Hope in Pascha (Orthodox Easter).

As the seasons change around you, embrace them as a friend, dare I say, a lover. Hold tight for they will soon be past and only a memory. Daily Bread. That is what we are told to pray for. Each day holds promise and direction, grace and glory. Don't miss what you hold in your hand in anticipation of what your might be grasping at tomorrow.

Thinking about getting a sweater out!

Traveler