The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Fantastic Fall

Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher

15 October 2002

Sometimes more than others, I stop to take notice of the blessings that are around. The changing of the seasons is one of those times.

With the recent full moon, the golden fields of grain that are so plentiful in our area, and the wonderful weather we have been having, well, it just takes your breath away.

I was sitting at my kitchen table reading the 23rd Psalm and recalling the last time I heard my mother recite it at a friend's funeral.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul:"

I looked out into my green pastures - my yard - and there were two young deer enjoying my yard and flower garden. The birds were chirping, the gray squirrels as well as the ground squirrels were having their usual fun scampering about and eating the acorns and hickory nuts from the trees.

I can only imagine what heaven will be after seeing some of the wonders of the world that God has given us.

The goodness in people around us is another testimony to its likeness.

Those who are checking on family and friends, helping out neighbors and community, and fixing up their places so that others might enjoy the view - such as Halloween pumpkins and gardens of beauty - make the 23rd Psalm even more vivid.

"Thou preparest a table before me....

....my cup runneth over."

Surely, that makes one think of the harvest and the plenty we have just outside our windows.

It also makes one think of sharing our blessings with others. Maybe giving a few cans of soup or fruit to the food pantry will help a neighbor in need feel the comfort of this fantastic fall.