Comfort

I must admit that the arrival of fall brings a tiny bit of disappointment for me, because oh, how I do love summer! So I briefly mourn the drop in temperatures and end of beach-going weather, and try to move on to the things I appreciate about fall... changing leaves, football season, sweaters and hoodies, hot apple cider, pumpkins, and cuddling up in a warm quilt. These are all things I've enjoyed recently and plan to continue to notice and take comfort in for the next few weeks. I have a break from classes next week and, in addition to seeing my family and friends back home, I am looking forward to the drive through the hills of central and western PA and what I'm sure will be an array of color. When my life gets stressful (as it has a tendency to do amidst seminary classes and candidacy), I try to take a moment to find comfort in these little things that bring me joy. Today, it came in a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup from Panera. This past weekend it came in a trip to an orchard with my roommate where we picked apples and a pumpkin and got some other delicious homemade goodies. As I write this in the middle of working on a sermon to preach in the seminary chapel later this week, I am also reminded of the comfort that I find in God's love for all of us and all of creation.