I glanced at the clock as the light came streaming into the bedroom windows this morning. It said 6:15, in direct contrast to the black-as-pitch view that the same time has offered the last few weeks.

Time change.

Fall back.

It’s that time of year, when the days are shorter, and cooler, signaling not only the change on the clock, but the change of seasons. It’s my favorite, you know. It ushers in all my favorite holidays and traditions, my favorite time of year to cook, to snuggle, to have a fire in the hearth and in my heart.

Not that I don’t have a fire in my heart the rest of the year, but I will tell you that this year in particular has found that fire to be more of a glowing ember…trying to burst into a flame but struggling to catch. And you know why I think that is?

I’ve been so focused on the circumstances that have interjected themselves into this year that I haven’t been focused on the gifts found among them. I’ve been thankful, certainly, but not residing in a place of gratitude.

So, today, staring out into the light that overcame the darkness, I determined it was time to change, to fall back into living each day in a state of intentional thankfulness. If you are sensing the same need in your life, maybe you’ll join me.

I so hope you will.

Journeys are so much more meaningful in the company of friends, don’t you think?

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:17 ESV