Yesterday, my littlest and I took a walk through our neighborhood, strolling under golden and ruby leaf canopies, down sidewalks of maple and elm.
We breathed the air deep. Thanked God for the blessing of these streets dripping color.
It was beautiful.
I wanted to take it home with me.
When I walked through the door, the snarl of scarves, hats and mittens created in the cold morning rush greeted us.
And it struck me so lovely.
Like knit leaves.
Fall wasn’t just living on the neighborhood trees or in the water-logged lichen branches I’d left to dry on the front porch.
Fall color lived right here in this house. It had come home with us.
The autumn blessing dwelled in the living room on the pillows the girls had lined up on the rug:
Even in laundry piles I saw the scattered texture of patterned leaves:
Thank you, God, for color strewn about us in this place. Right here, right now.
During this season of thanks, what do you see right where you are that brings you unexpected joy?

Again you’ve done it Ashley! Reminded us that what we’re looking for is, like the kingdom of God, nearer than we think. You even found it in your laundry basket! How lovely is that!
I love that — “the kingdom of God, nearer than we think.” Amen.
I too got to tromp through the leaves today and to simply breathe. It was a delight. Rhanks Ash.
Oh yay, Jen! Thanks for sharing. “Delight” is the word.
AMEN, mama mandeish! (..it is nearer than we think :)