I saw my first sign of the end of summer here today. As I walked underneath my Maple tree I saw the first few leaves had already changed from green to red and fallen to the ground. It reminded me of how fast this summer has flown by and how beautiful it has been.

When I was a boy I hated this time of the year. It meant soon I would be trading in riding my bike and swimming at the local pool for once again sitting in a crowded classroom with no fresh air or freedom. In those days Summer seemed to last forever and yet also ended way too soon. And as I grew into adulthood and had to work all year round I missed those childhood summer days even more.

It was only in my later years that I finally began to embrace the unique joys that each season brings. I realized that I shouldn’t spend my days longing for Summer when a beautiful Fall was on its way. And the quiet, cold, loveliness of Winter could make the coming Spring feel even more joyous. Each season of the year I saw was a gift from God to be taken in our hearts and cherished. And not only each season of the year, but also each moment of the day were there for us to fully live and fully love.

Life is full of seasons. Each one should be enjoyed. You should delight in the Springtime of your life but not try to stay stuck in it forever. You should take joy in all the days of Summer but never mourn when it finally passes. Because God has in store for you a glorious Fall and a beautiful winter as well. Each season of life has its own unique pleasures, its own unique joys. Each one is a gift from God. Enjoy them all. Embrace them all. Fill each one with love, laughter, and joy. Then when your last day here finally comes you can truly say that you Lived each day of your life here.