Our autumn rides hold a special place in my heart. While the air is crisp, requiring an extra layer of clothing, the view from the back seat is glorious. Here in Yakima and the surrounding countryside the trees are fighting each other for attention, flashing their shades of gold and green, russet and rose. Along the river the sumac is dressed in red while the birch trees have chosen bright yellow gowns. I can smell the fall and it’s moist and earthy.
The autumn season is short and I always feel like we have to hurry and enjoy it before it’s gone. There is such a contrast in the blinding sunlight and the cool air, almost like a warning. If you’re inside looking out, it appears to be warm. But step out the door without a jacket and you’ll shiver immediately.
Huddled on the back of our Harley with my leather clad arms wrapped around my guy my thoughts are bittersweet. I wouldn’t trade the beauty of autumn for anything but I’m sad for the signs that our riding season is almost over. There’s always that distant thought of what will next year bring?
Having recently experienced the sudden and unexpected loss of a good friend, it’s hard not to reflect on the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death. The trees know truth – our life is for a season. Autumn comes and the best thing they can do is go out in a blaze of glory. The most beautiful, eye catching time of their existence is the beginning of their death – not forever but for a time.
What a lesson for us. We won’t be green and full of energy forever. We must take all we can from the joy of our branches dancing in the breeze, birds singing us a morning song, friends relaxing in our cool shade. At the same time, we must make plans to go out in a blaze of glory.
Is your house in order? Have you served in such a way that people remark on your golden generosity? Are you touching lives and sharing some of your rich red life lessons, your russet blessings, and your bright yellow joy of a life well lived?
We don’t know for sure what tomorrow will bring but we can certainly take measure of what impact we had yesterday. I want someone to reflect on their ride though the canyon of life and I want a memory to flash back of me beside the river reaching out with beauty and thoughtfulness, making their day a little richer. I want them to hear the roar of a Harley and smile because it brings to mind a picture of Christ shining like the autumn sun from my face.
And when my glorious colors fade, please remember I have died not forever but only for a time. My resurrection colors will make the autumn season look like a black and white movie! Praise God for that promise.
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12
