Fall in Heaven?

Fall is one of my favourite seasons, but I don't believe there will be fall in Heaven. 

Recently I heard someone say that they couldn't wait for fall time in Heaven-- of having the glories of fall here on earth, only better. 

Fall is aptly named. It is a season of change. The weather turns more harsh, the leaves die and blow away into the crisp wind. 

But is this what God intended? For there to be death, even the death of the leaves?

To me, fall is one of the most beautiful examples in nature of God turning a devastating result of sin into a beautiful display of artistry. Making beauty out our shame wasn't necessary, but it certainly reveals the heart of our loving God. And it makes me more in awe of Him for it. 

Now, I've never been to Heaven and I guess we will never know until we get there what it will really be like. But, in my imagination, I think that God will give us something even more outstanding than our beloved fall season. Maybe there will be colourful leaves that never turn brown and drop to the ground, crisp fall apples that would be, well-- out of this world! And so much more. 

He knows our hearts and the desires of it even better than we know ourselves. And more than anything, He wants us to fall more in love with Him. 

Fall is one of my favourite seasons, but I believe that there will be something better than fall in Heaven.

A golden leaf treasure from my walk this morning.

Ireland has a piece of my heart.

Ireland from Jonathan Haring on Vimeo.

Slowing down, speeding up

Sometimes I feel like life is slower here in Ireland than it was living in the US of A. 

Maybe it's because I'm not working in the hospital. 

Or maybe because my work schedule has me sleeping in and staying up late at night. 

A few weeks ago I walked a race with a few lady friends of mine. The joy certainly was in the journey, and victory was never so sweet for them at the end of the finish line.

Life here isn't always walking pace though-- some days I stumble through, trying to get everything done. I'm still not done. Things are speeding up. 

And yet, I'm getting lots of practice at dropping everything (and by "everything", I mean things that aren't very important in the long run) and slowing down to walk along side someone when they need it. To walk the race instead of run. To slow down and to communicate instead of assume. To slow down and take the backroads for the joy of it. 

Don't be overtaken by life. 

Slow down and remember the reasons for living. 

Skibbereen-ing

I spent my day in Skibbereen, the heart of West Cork, at a arts, crafts, and food festival. Mmm! It was so much fun to watch the kids sing and dance and embrace the beautiful and strong Irish culture. This little guy was amazing. 

Mrs. Millea

My sister is married now. 

I thought I'd be in a crumpled heap of tears at the wedding. Alas, only when I was helping her put on her pretty, pinkish wedding gown did I shed a tear or two. It was then that I really, and deeply felt the big-ness and awe of the moment. It was so perfect. She is so gorgeous.

Life transitions, the ebb and flow of sorrow and joy, the love-filled wonder of our small worlds-- all of these things capture the curiosity and thoughts of my mind. It is the people that we love and the God in whom we owe our lives to that makes my world go round.

My sister has a big piece my heart.  

This morning, I accidentally began to Facetime her. It was probably 1:00 in the morning in her time zone. (oops!) She kindly texted me to see if I was o.k. and was sorry that she missed my call. Oh, what a dear! Even though we are thousands and thousands of miles away and there is an ocean between us- we will forever be sisters and close at heart.

Mrs. Millea, I love you. 

If you want to see more pictures, check them out here.