As I write this column from the Christian Education office this morning it is very warm. The last few days have not felt at all like fall in New England. It feels more like fall in Louisiana with temperatures in the high 80s. But fall is coming. I see hints of it in the trees as color comes creeping in. I am aware that interest in sports is turning to football and away from baseball. The Red Sox postseason play may delay that a bit.

But fall is coming to New England. I am reminded of the song by Cheryl Wheeler that paints beautiful visual pictures. For example, she sings about cool days and clear nights, about the northern geese flying south, the leaves turning red, and a cold wind blowing off the sea. Those images are vivid to me because I have seen those things. I love it when fall comes to New England.

In a similar way, we can rejoice when we hear about the things of God because we have seen his hand at work - not only in the physical world, but also in the spiritual world. We have seen people healed, lives changed, and families restored. We watch as God moves among his people, and we praise him for his mighty works. And then, as an extra blessing, we see how he brings the joy of color to the physical world when fall comes to New England.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!