They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor. – Isaiah 61:3

I do not know your plans for this morning. They may involve sleeping in, they may have you up early for fishing or hunting, they may involve a casual slow-motion transfer from bed to car to brunch at some eatery… or they may have you responding to a deep calling or remembered commitment that leads you to worship.

Regardless, I want us to open our eyes, consider the world around us, and respond to the amazing beauty and creativity in some fashion. I may not attend church because of the fall leaves – but they certainly offer one more reason for a grateful heart.

My simplest explanation is that I go to church for the same reason I drink water when I am thirsty and eat food when I am hungry: because faith in God – and the community of people who encourage one another as disciples – is essential nourishment.

Regardless, I am a huge fan of the fall! I may change my tune when springtime comes along, but at least for now October through December is my absolute favorite time of the year. It may be because autumn offers such sweet relief after the extremes of summer. Or maybe it’s the leaves and the temperatures and the emerging sense of goodwill in response to the coming promise of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Grateful together:

So I kick my way through the leaves and breathe in the cool air and give thanks. Then, refreshed from my morning walk with Max, and fortified with a couple of mugs of coffee, I will walk down the street with Rebekah and enter a sanctuary full with good people who love God and are grateful for our life together. And I will open my mouth – and my soul – and sing.

At its best, life is disarmingly simple. I believe we overcomplicate good living sometimes with too much that is costly and unnecessary. The heart of the Good News story is the call to love selflessly in response to God’s example in Jesus.

Showing up at church affirms that message and provides the support and encouragement of other travelers on the same journey home.

Nothing over the top, just the story of reconciling love. It is more than enough – DEREK

I believe we overcomplicate good living sometimes with too much that is costly and unnecessary.