In places that experience a change of seasons it happens every fall. As the days grow shorter, they seem to take on a golden hue that bathes and blesses us. I don’t know how sunlight can change color, but it clearly does. These are the golden days, and we need to embrace them and bask in them before the snow flies.
Life has golden seasons, too, doesn’t it? Several couples we know are celebrating their 50th Anniversaries this fall. My husband and I are in a second marriage, so we laugh that we’ll have to be wheeled into the activities room in assisted living if we make it to our fiftieth celebration—we’ll be 90 and 91. “Look, honey! There’s a cake!” one of us might exclaim.
Which doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate that these are golden years for us, too–and we thank God for them. A recent tragedy experienced by close friends reminds us this could change any time. But as of today we both have our health, the time and inclination to engage in activities that bring us joy, and ministries that make life worth living. We have more family members geographically close than ever before, and we love getting to spend time with them. In our own way, these are our golden years, and we are glad we know it.
I find myself wondering how to spend these glorious, golden days of fall however. What could I do to celebrate all things golden besides binge watch episodes of “The Golden Girls”—which is never a completely bad idea by the way. Maybe I could buy some goldfish to entertain the cats. I’d love to go gallivanting with a litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Or pluck a golden pear from a tree. Or listen to a golden oldies station on the radio and reprise some dance moves from the 60’s and 70’s! Or better than all that, perhaps I should look for golden opportunities to make a positive difference in the world—even to live out the golden rule.
What about you? How will you celebrate these golden days of autumn? Even if life has thrown some crises your way, can you look for the golden aspects of each day? Can you find some time just to sit on a park bench and let the warm autumn sun reach down into your soul? A quote seen on Pinterest read, “These are days we dream about when the sunlight paints us gold.” Yes! The glorious days when the sunlight paints us gold. Let’s live them fully.
I love living and life itself. I am grateful each morning when I wake up that yes, I am alive. However, waking up in heaven would be a glorious thing.
I too love the Fall season as my favorite season. I love to take a drive in the mountains to view all the fall leaves. It is a glorious time for me.
Me too, Ruth! Thanks for your thoughts and God bless you.
Nancy, thank you for the golden, uplifting thoughts!
You are more than welcome!!
How am I spending these golden days of fall? For one thing, I’ve been reading your golden words. Ha. Our Seniors are going to enjoy a golden color tour next Monday, but I’m committed to a Bible study. Besides, a day long trip for me is more than likely to feel like a week-long one. I’ll just try to make the Bible study shine gold with God’s words. Thanks again for such a neat message, Nancy.
And I know you will, Betty. Through Him, I know you will.
Nancy,
This is Rhonda (used to be Sanford) now Mitchell. My husband and I go to church with Mary and Bob and love seeing them. I enjoy keeping up with the Parker side of the family through them. I still love them all. I shared with Mary how much I am enjoying your book Take My Hand Again. My mom has had a couple strokes and your book has been an inspiration. Plus I love hearing about Nana in your book! Thank you for your beautiful golden words. I plan on purchasing the devotional for mom and dad to enjoy. You have an amazing gift……thank you for sharing it!
God Bless
Oh Rhonda, how good to hear from you! Thank you for letting me know all that you shared. So glad you are happy and close to the Lord. He is good! Love you.
Thanks for sharing your many golden ideas … and I’ll try to put a few into practice!
I’m sure you’ll do them all and then some!! 🙂
Especially meaningful having been immersed in Montana golden glory; now back in the Valley of the Sun, we celebrate the fading heat, the hint of a cool breeze and the calm that one can almost hear, as the flowers, bushes, trees and people exhale in a relief from heat that is truly pure gold!
Enjoy your beautiful new season, Alice. Love you.
I enjoyed our recent leaf tour with you in our beautiful Colorado mountains.
Thanks, dear! So did I.