What brings me hope
Spending time in nature
Rosalind Tompkins/photo submitted
By Rosalind Tompkins
Special to the Outlook
As I went on my daily walk the other day and looked out at the trees beginning to change colors, I was reminded of a poem that I wrote a couple of years ago titled “Autumn’s Hope” that I would like to share.
It is so amazing to see nature in all its glory doing what it was created to do in the midst of everything that is going on all around it. It brings so much peace, joy, and hope.
I like to take my grandchildren out to run around and play in nature. Although sometimes it is hard to pull them away from their phones and iPads, it is worth it, and I pray that they too will develop an appreciation of nature. As the weather permits, I encourage everyone to get out and experience this beautiful season while you can.
Autumn’s Hope
The leaves are falling one by one leaving the safety and security of the trees.
I sneeze, as I feel the chill while beholding the warmth of autumn’s colors.
The browns, reds, oranges, rusts, golds, and evergreens are prominently seen.
The smell of cinnamon, pumpkin, peppermint and spice, permeates the atmosphere and makes a nice aromatherapy.
It brings me clarity, and I know that just as the leaves leave the trees, I too must shed last season’s skin and begin again.
It’s time to store up all the good things that God brings.
Sitting by the fireplace sipping tea with a warm blanket surrounding me.
I’m filled with peace, love, and joy while anticipating what’s going to be.
Listening, writing, meditating, hibernating, and awaiting, the birth of Hope.
April, the month that’s been set aside, to breathe new life into things that have died. A whole month of hope, time to open wide, the door of expectancy.
In the meantime, I enjoy Autumn and its slower pace because it is here that I receive the grace through the beautiful colors and its warm embrace.
As the leaves leave the trees and I shed last season’s skin to begin again.
Rosalind Tompkins, Ph.D., is author of “As Long As There Is Breath In Your Body, There Is Still Hope,” and other inspirational books. Tompkins is also founder of Turning Point International Church, the Chapel of Mothers In Crisis. She’s also founder of Turning Point International Alliance with ministries and churches in Pakistan, Nepal, Eswatini, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, and St. Vincent in the West Indies.
