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.

Autumn Joy

 Autumn is my favorite time of year. The scorching sun settles down, each day becomes a little easier, and the crisp nights are refreshing. So here, without further ado, is some autumn joy for you!

The poem below came to me via The Writer's Almanac. Barbara Crooker is new to me, but I will surely be looking for more of her poetry. 

And Now it's October

the golden hour of the clock of the year. Everything that can run

to fruit has already done so: round apples, oval plums, bottom-heavy

pears, black walnuts and hickory nuts annealed in their shells,

the woodchuck with his overcoat of fat. Flowers that were once bright

as a box of crayons are now seed heads and thistle down. All the feathery

grasses shine in the slanted light... 

- by Barbara Crooker from Small Rain

find the rest of this poem here.

I can't pass October without celebrating pumpkins. I find them is so compelling. 

Oh, that Jack-O!

Of all the pumpkins in the patch

This one called "Choose ME!"

Tough and bright and jaunty

Bold as it could be

As soon as I cut two eyes and mouth

Seemed Jack-O almost snickered

And I'm sure that rascal winked at me

Each time the candle flickered

© Karen Eastlund

Autumn is beautiful in New Jersey. The colors are still peaking (peeking) and each day I'm thankful for this gorgeous splash of color.

I hope this time of year is lovely where you live also.

Don't miss the Poetry Friday gathering, this week hosted by Jone Rush MacCulloch.  Click the blue link to find more poetry posts:  Jone   Thanks for hosting, Jone!