Fall is finally here! I realize that although many people are excited for the brisk fall air, there are probably just as many who are already mourning the 90-degree days of summer. Sure, summer is great, but there is just something—more like lots of things—about fall that many of us look forward to year-round. Even if you're not a fall fanatic like me, I'm guessing there is still a thing or two you enjoy about this season. Perhaps it's apple-picking with the surrounding foliage showing off its newly vibrant hues. It could be the smell of chili cooking away in the crockpot while watching the afternoon football game. Or maybe it's sipping a pumpkin latte while listening to the leaves crackle under your boots as you stroll along the sidewalk. Whatever it is, I think most of us can find a common ground that fall has some good to offer.
There is something more than just the coolness in the air and the colors on the trees that make me wait for these autumn days with anticipation, however. Something about this season makes me want to seize the day and embrace all the good that God is putting in front of me. It's a time when we can reevaluate, renew, and refresh. Fall can be a time of great opportunity—if you let it.
For kids and college students, the opportunities are typically more obvious with the start of a new school year. As a kid, I remember the excitement of seeing old friends, meeting new friends, and the general hustle and bustle of moving from class to class. And although I probably never felt much excitement about the return of homework, deep down I was truly looking forward to the opportunity to learn and grow. But what about those of us who are years past the whole back-to-school thing? What opportunities do we have?
If we are willing to look, we will likely see numerous opportunities that God has placed right in front of our noses. But what if we are too busy, tired, or scared to seek out what God is putting in our paths? Although God is ultimately in control, he gives all of us the freedom to take or leave the opportunities he presents to us. I like to think of it as similar to the way God offers forgiveness through faith in his Son, but he doesn't force anyone to take it. Although the other opportunities God presents may not affect our own salvation, they are still things that God wants for us so we can have the best life possible. I don't know about you, but I've missed a lot of opportunities in the past, and I want to get better at recognizing and taking ahold of all that God has to offer.
I've come up with a list of things I want to take ahold of this fall season along with some verses to remind me of God's truths about that potential opportunity. You can use my list, or I challenge you to come up with your own version!
1. Learn something new about God or his creation.
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. (Proverbs 18:15)
2. Invest in developing a new friendship or rekindling an old friendship.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
3. Show generosity to someone you don't know.
We must remember the words of the Lord Jesus. He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)
4. Do something kind for a friend or family member.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
5. Tell someone what you believe about who Jesus is and why you believe it.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations. (Matthew 28:19)
