Autumn: A Gathering of Gladness

Thanks to Ramona Behnke who prompted our group to write about gladness this month.  In particular, how to gather gladness. You can find Ramona's post and links to others at her blog Pleasure From the Page. 

I was looking through old photos when I was unexpectedly struck by the many blessings of my life. To be honest, some photos took my breath away. Why unexpectedly? In some I didn't remember the faces being so beautiful. Or I didn't remember the tenderness I had witnessed.  I didn't remember some moments at all. I was unexpectedly overwhelmed. 

I sometimes feel that my entire life has been one long journey out of fog. It seems that blessings have been staring me in the face, and oftentimes I've been blind to them. What was I thinking? Where was my focus?

Then I came across this poem by Chesterton. I think it speaks very well to my experience and this prompt.   

Lo! I am come to autumn, When all the leaves are gold; Grey hairs and golden leaves cry out The year and I are old.

In youth I sought the prince of men, Captain in cosmic wars, Our Titan, even the weeds would show Defiant, to the stars.

But now a great thing in the street Seems any human nod, Where shift in strange democracy The million masks of God.

In youth I sought the golden flower Hidden in wood or wold, But I am come to autumn, When all the leaves are gold.

        - G.K.Chesterton

Marlene Figge wrote about this poem: This unexpected discovery that he (Chesterton) is surrounded by an abundance of what he seeks is a metaphor for his encounter with grace.   
You can read her entire article HERE.

One way to gather gladness is to look back at photos. They can surprise you and bless you.

Also, gather gladness as you read! Many blessings...many tidings of comfort and joy... can be gathered from scripture. 1 Corinthians 13:12 promises:

12 For now we see only a reflection, as in a mirror, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.

I wish you an autumn full of gatherings and gladness.