Autumn Reflections and Pumpkin Patch Conviction

Last Autumn I took my three littles tramping through the local pumpkin patch for the “if you can hold it you can have it” deal. It was cold and incredibly windy, but they were eager and the excitement trumped weather conditions.

They tripped over vines, lifted, examined and switched pumpkins several times. At one point they asked if they could take multiple pumpkins, while clearly struggling to carry the pumpkin they already had. They started off carrying more than I thought they should. Especially on the uneven terrain with vines reaching to tangle every other step. Their hearts were eager and willing to push all the limits but they lacked wisdom and foresight.

We had quite a distance back to the front of the orchard where we’d check out with the pumpkins and aside from the thick and twisting vines the ground was soft and uneven. We were barely at the beginning and they had gotten overzealous. So many exciting opportunities, so many wonderful pumpkins!

And just like that I was looking at myself walking through life.

I’ve picked up and turned over several exciting things looking for the “perfect” one. I’ve carried more than God intended and I’ve eaten dirt time and again as a result of the fall. I have great ideas and beautiful visions of what a good or successful life looks like to me. It's been so easy for me to get caught up in what society would have me believe successful mothering looks like. I’ve taken on too many “good things” without stopping to ask, “What does the Lord have for me here?” What is HIS plan and HIS vision for my life? So often in my eager haste I’ve neglected prayerful consideration. Too often. I've neglected the counsel of godly, loving friends. Too easily have I followed a "desire of my heart" while failing to ensure those desires were actually in line with God's word. Indeed, He gives us wisdom and wonderful fellowship, provisions so that we may walk wisely and live abundantly according to HIS purpose for our lives. Sometimes we get overzealous and there is grace.

Just as my weary children finally turned back and looked to me for rest and help when their arms were weary or they had fallen yet again, we can turn back to God.

We can seek his wisdom which he promises lavishly to those who ask, accept his loving provision and trust in Him as we take our next steps.

And the Lord blesses me with sweet reminders like this in the chilly pumpkin patch as I walk alongside my children, just as he walks with us.

Autumn is a great time to reassess our priorities and what things have began to sweep us away over the course of the year as the weather begins to chill and the pace begins to slow. I’d love to hear what the Lord is laying on your heart in this season.

Lord, Help us prayerfully consider what you have for us. In these times of noise and turmoil remind us to seek rest and wisdom from you. May the Holy spirit help us to discern our desires and align them with scripture so we can walk in humble obedience as you direct our steps.

In Jesus' name we pray, Amen