“Fall Expectations”

    Are you happy that October has arrived?  To most, the new month brings a mixture of emotions.  For starters, it reminds us that the year is moving on, perhaps too quickly.  To many, the colorful foliage display brings joy and awe.  To some, it brings a sense of dread that the cold, dark days of winter are right around the corner.  If we look back over just the last 10 years, we have had everything from hurricanes to snowstorms in Octobers past.  No matter; let’s take a moment to remember, and to enjoy, relief from the recent heat and humidity of summer.
    It being a month of usually favorable weather, as we turn the page to our October calendar, there may be several dates already penciled in.  Lots of organizations schedule their big annual events during this month.  It seems like every sport has matches during October.  Last-of-the-year outdoor parties and vacations may be included on various days.  Not to mention preparations for winter weather.  Busy time of the year.
    The change of seasons entails a degree of expectation of what’s to come.  We have to, in a sense, shift gears in our everyday living.  Getting our home heating systems in readiness, rotating much of our wardrobe, moving much of our activities indoors, and getting up in the dark in the morning.
     As Christians, our ultimate expectation is that Jesus Christ will return to this troubled earth and claim those who trust and follow Him.  And so we should be in a state of readiness at any and all times.  However, as has been experienced by countless generations, His return remains as just an expectation.  Can we count on that for the foreseeable future?  Can we get on with our lives, procrastinating being “ready” for the Rapture?  Should we just figure, there’s plenty of time to prepare for the Judgment?  Our lives are plenty busy with everyday events and activities without reading from the Scriptures or taking time to say a prayer at the beginning or ending of the day.  Certain people, rebellious electronics, incredible traffic maneuvers can all occupy our thoughts through the day – and contribute to irritability and impatience in our dealings with others.
    Our expectation as we go through this month of October is that we shall experience busyness, visual treats and a change in our surroundings.
    As Christians, our expectation, and our hope, as we travel through our daily lives, and come to the end of each day, is that we shall not be ashamed of our response to our circumstances; we shall have been bold to proclaim Jesus Christ; and we shall have brought glory to His name.  Enjoy October.                                                                                                                                                                                           Virginia                                                                     “For "I know that this shall turn to my salvation…according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified…”                                               Philippians 1:19-20