The weather has been unexpectedly glorious these days. Fall used to be about a week-long event here before snow crashed the party, but these recent years we’ve had amazing stretches of golden warmth and beauty, and the colours have been incredible! I feel like I could study them forever and marvel at the amazing paintbrush of our Creator!

One recent morning I stood with the freshly-risen sun on my face, soaking in the first rays of the day. No frost, which is surprising for late September. The slight breeze held a bit of warmth, and as I opened my eyes I spotted an apple tree leaf gently twirling to the ground. It was only a minute, but a peaceful minute, a minute well-spent. A deep breath in the presence of the One who makes all things new.

Then, together into the rush of the day.

My mom would call that a “bouquet” from the Lord — a small moment that feels like a gift in the middle of all the other regular life things. A remembering of His mercy.

Isn’t that what we’re about to do? Thanksgiving is on the horizon, and instead of rushing through it, we’re lingering at our house and engaging in a great remembering of what the Lord has done for us this year. All the lessons and growth, all the gifts of fun and memory-making, even the things that felt too hard for us, and yet, we’re still standing.

Bouquets too.

What are your bouquets these days? Moments of mercy that have reminded you of the goodness of the Lord in your life?

Psalm 27:13-14 comes to mind:

I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.

What an awesome reminder that the Lord is at work in places we don’t see, and we can trust that He is taking care of us.

Look for a “bouquet” today and remember who He is, and how He has worked in your life!