Autumn is a season of transition. The warm days of summer give way to cooler temperatures, the vibrant greens turn to golds, oranges, and reds, and there’s a certain stillness in the air as we prepare for the coming winter. There’s so much beauty in autumn—the changing leaves, the crisp mornings, and the cozy evenings by the fire—but there are also things we might find unsettling: the shorter days, the approaching cold, and the loss of summer’s freedom.
In life, we experience our own “autumns,” seasons where things are changing, and we feel a sense of uncertainty or anxiety as we wait for the next chapter to unfold. During these times, it’s easy to focus on what we’re losing or what’s not going right, but if we fixate too much on the negative, we’ll miss the beauty that’s all around us.
Scripture Focus: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
The writer of Ecclesiastes beautifully captures the rhythm of life’s seasons:
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, NIV)
This passage reminds us that every season has its purpose. Just as we accept that autumn comes after summer and winter after autumn, we must also recognize that the seasons of life, whether times of waiting, struggle, or joy, are ordained by God. The key is to embrace the season we’re in and find the good in it, even when it’s difficult.
Autumn: The Good and the Bad
In autumn, nature reminds us that change is inevitable. The leaves fall, and the days grow shorter. Many of us feel a sense of loss during this season—the warm summer days seem so far behind us, and the thought of winter can bring feelings of dread.
But if we dwell on what we’re losing, we miss out on the joy of the present moment. The beauty of the changing leaves, the fresh, crisp air, and the quiet time of reflection that autumn brings can be lost if our minds are consumed by the negatives.
Similarly, in life, we can become so focused on what we’re waiting for or the anxiety that accompanies change, that we miss the blessings right in front of us. God wants us to live fully in the present, trusting Him with the future and finding joy in the now.
Finding Joy in the Waiting Season
Autumn can feel like a season of waiting. The harvest has come, and we’re now preparing for the cold, dark days of winter. In life, too, we often find ourselves in seasons of waiting—waiting for a job opportunity, waiting for a relationship to be restored, or waiting for God to fulfill a promise.
It’s tempting in these times to wish the season away, to long for the next phase of life when everything will be “better.” But as Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (NIV). Contentment doesn’t come from everything being perfect but from trusting that God is with us in the midst of our waiting.
James 1:4 also encourages us to “let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (NIV). In other words, the waiting season has a purpose. God is using it to refine us, to deepen our faith, and to prepare us for the next chapter. Instead of rushing through it, we can choose to embrace it, finding joy in the lessons God is teaching us.
Practical Steps to Embrace the Season You’re In
Shift Your Focus to Gratitude
One of the best ways to find joy in any season is to focus on what we’re thankful for. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (NIV). Even when things aren’t perfect, there are always blessings to be found.
Look for God's Purpose
Ask God to show you what He is doing in your life during this time. Often, seasons of waiting are times of preparation. Like autumn prepares the earth for winter, God may be preparing your heart for something new. Romans 8:28 encourages us with the truth that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (NIV).
Enjoy the Present Moment
Autumn doesn’t last forever, and neither does this season of your life. Instead of wishing it away, take time to enjoy the beauty of the present. Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (NIV). Trust God with the future and embrace today.
Persevere in Faith
Finally, when you’re in a season of waiting, it’s essential to persevere in faith. Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (NIV). God’s timing is perfect, and though the waiting may feel long, His promises are sure.
Autumn is a season of beauty and change. It teaches us that while life’s seasons may not always be comfortable, they each have their own unique blessings. Instead of focusing on what we’re losing or what’s not happening, let’s choose to see the good in the season we’re in. Let’s trust that God is at work, even in the waiting, and embrace the joy He has for us today.