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Saturday, October 13, 2018

The Splendor of Autumn

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. ~James 5:7 (NIV)

Autumn is here—a season of peace, a time of rest and patiently waiting for good things like family gatherings at Thanksgiving.

This is my chance, as a caregiver, to see God's glory laid out right before me. A moment of rest on a stage blooming in glorious colors and wonderful fragrances. It’s when God’s brush strokes create masterpieces exploding with crisp golden glitters, radiant reds, and luxurious shades of browns—a burst of colors blending perfectly together. It’s splenderific.

I'm going to take long deep breaths and savor each sip of hot chocolate, each generous bite of piepear-apple tart, perhaps, swimming on a caramel-pecan pie crust. And if I had a front porch with white wooden floors and hand-crafted railings, I would grab a comfy sweater and plant myself there … for a sweet moment or two. For now, I'll sit in front of the fireplace.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. ~Matthew 11:28-30

Okay fellow caregivers, how about we bring a little bit of this restful season inside? It's free therapy. Start slowly, take your time, it doesn’t have to be done in a day. And for dementia patients, like my father, make sure you don’t overdo it. An explosion of colors can really mess with their minds.

I try to involve Dad with the decorating tasks ... the simple ones. He did drag the furniture around for me when we rearranged his living room. A little unsteady on his legs but he held on pretty good. He’s very proud of the new look. A sense of accomplishment is important for both the caregiver and the care receiver.  

Let's light up a pumpkin spice candle (Mom and Dad's favorite), or apple cinnamon; fragrances that can calm the soul and soothe the spirit. Purchase a few pumpkins, assortment of sizes and different colors. Involve family and friends. Maybe friends and family would donate pumpkins or a bale of hay—not too expensive at Walmart. 

Dad's coffee table is now a small and simple display of fall colors. His model motorcycle remains, of course.

Side Note: Start asking family and friends to send Christmas cards addressed to, in my case, Mom and Dad.

Wonderful aromas do wonders for a tired mind. If the home is filled with apple blossoms, pumpkin spice, and brown sugar cinnamon, everyone is sure to experience the splendor of autumn.

How do you enjoy this season?


A Caregiver’s Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to enjoy the season. I am grateful for pauses in my life. Teach me to bring your peace into my tired life, like a sweet autumn morning. It is your breath in our lungs so let me breathe in your presence. Thank you for painting the world in brilliant colors. Cover us with your calmness and blanket us with pure joy. Remind me to keep my eyes on you.



Beloved Caregiver

 Arise with me
Before the dawn
Beneath an autumn sky

Enjoy with me
A morning crisp
And watch the sparrow fly

A season births
The earth with gold,
A breeze of red
And orange bold

Arise with me
When blossoms fall
Beneath an autumn sky

(Copyright, 2018 by Deborah L. Alten)


WORSHIP: "Great are You Lord" by One Sonic Society

4 comments:

  1. Lovely what you pulled together to bring a bit of Autumn into your living room where your Mom and Dad spend their days. In answer to your question above: Chestnuts in a leaf-shaped dish give my kitchen table a hint of fall along with a standup sign that says "Give Thanks" and colorful napkins. Tis simple, but makes me happy.

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  2. Oh, I totally forgot about napkins ... and plates too. They would love that.

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  3. Beautiful and inspiring post. Loved your poem at the end!----Sharon P.

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  4. Thank you Sharon. Encouragement keeps me writing.

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