Autumnal Equinox

 Year 8-Day 267: Today, I am grateful for the autumnal equinox.

What is the autumnal equinox? One of two days when all points on Earth except the polar regions see the sunrise and set at due east and due west. With few exceptions, all latitudes see almost precisely 12 hours of daylight and 12 of darkness. Pretty cool, right? 

Here in the Midwest, it is starting to smell and feel like fall. It has been hard for me to be indoors this week, as the temperatures have been perfect.  Not too hot. Not too cold. Did I mention the scents of fall? 

The days have been getting shorter since the end of June, but now, we start to really notice the less than twelve hours of light. Yes, it means winter is around the corner, but I don't care. Fall is my favorite. (Spring is a close second.) 

The changing seasons always remind me that God holds the earth perfectly in place as it orbits around the sun. His hand designed it all. It really does leave me in awe of his creativity. Mother Nature's simplicities are as breathtaking as her complexities. Both leave me filled with wonder. 

The simple elegance of a harvest moon hung in a cool black sky is picture perfect. The sea of colored leaves are countless shades of greens, reds, oranges, browns and yellows. The change is just around the corner. Take it in. Savor the moments. The autumn sun reveals their glory. 

Man's days are often filled with trouble, but only have to look to nature to see God's glory illuminated. The scriptures are clear that if we forget to praise him, the rocks will cry out. 

"He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” -Luke 19:40

Fall in the Midwest is a symphony of praise. 

Today, I am grateful for the autumnal equinox.