Losing Daylight

You made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun always knows when to set.

Psalm 104:19 

It's happening again. Just as it happens every autumn here in the Upper Midwest. We're losing daylight. Shadows are lengthening. The sun struggles to brighten the morning sky. And, before we've had much chance to relish it, it quickly slips away again into the evening.

Daylight Savings time comes to an end and we will be falling back...falling back into shorter days and longer nights. Why is it that most of us dread this change? Being a sun-lover myself, I know I do. I struggle when darkness comes calling at 5 o'clock, or earlier, each evening. 

But this year, instead of bemoaning its inevitable approach, I am going to take a tip from God's creation...and meet this unavoidable change the way it does.

This time of year is a quiet season for most plants and animals. Perennials, shrubs and trees alike relinquish themselves to dormancy...taking a much deserved rest. And many animals follow suit...hibernating till spring. Rest is something most of us don't get enough of. Even darkness and colder temps can't keep many of us in. But, what if we followed the rhythm of life like all of creation does, and carved out a little quiet time for ourselves?

Early nightfall and cooler weather create the perfect setting to light a few candles, or stoke the fireplace, turn off the TV, play a board game with the kiddos, make a cup of cocoa, read a good book, or spend some time in God's love letter. Both our bodies and souls would greatly benefit!

During this quiet season, our neighborhood squirrels are making their big push to get their winter grub stored securely. These cooler, shorter days prompt them to stock up their nut supply. And these cooler, shorter days prompt me to fill my freezer with homemade soups, spaghetti sauce and other items that I can bring out when various occasions call for something quick and easy. I most especially love to have a vast variety of unbaked cookies tucked away in my deep freezer! Pulling out a dozen at a time not only fills my home with a wonderful aroma, it makes inviting friends over to share a meal and treat a breeze. Can you think of a better way to pass the long evening hours than with friends!?

And, then there's our Chickadee friends. They don't worry or fret about losing daylight. In fact, they still seem to find reasons to sing, even as darkness settles in and most of their feathered friends have flown south. Just last night I stood at my dining room window and watched one lone Chickadee sing the sweetest tune until long shadows covered him in nightfall. As he sang, Psalm 113:3 kept echoing through my mind, From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, let the name of the Lord be praised! 

Yes! It is happening again. But, we don't have to succumb to despair when darkness falls. Embrace this quiet season. This is a season of rest. This is the season to store up good things to share with friends, family and strangers alike. This is the season to sing grateful praises and thanksgiving to our God who walks beside us even as we lose daylight! 

From dawn until dusk keep lifting all your praises to God!

Psalm 113:3