Not Escape, Retreat

Late yesterday afternoon, the October that began crisp but sunny turned cold and gloomy.  A new storm rolled in, not meeting the resistance of muggy, summer weather like the storm last week, but instead quickly dropping the already cooled temperatures even more.

In the summer, when the rains come down and the thunder rolls, we escape indoors, scorning the precipitation, hoping it will scurry off soon so we can go back out and play in sunshine that lasts into evening.

In fall, things are different.  Instead of escaping from the rain and hoping for sunshine, we retreat indoors to cook soup for dinner before cuddling beneath blankets to sip tea and read.  We know darkness will begin to descend earlier and earlier, but we are not concerned because there is coziness to be had indoors, where twinkle lights adorn the windows and pumpkin-spice candles flicker on the kitchen counter.

Summer has had its turn, so do not wish for it back, but instead embrace the joy of wearing sweaters and warm socks again.  Without showing it contempt, let the cool rain fall and nourish the earth, giving it last breaths of refreshment before winter closes in.  Take deep breaths yourself, inhaling the glorious smells of fall, of dried leaves, apple pie, and pumpkin bread.

Autumn is a time of preparation; do not fall behind wishing for summer days already gone.