God is a nostalgic God. He built our brains to contain 100 billion cells, and each neuron can form tens of thousands of connections with other neurons, allowing our brains to store memories, process information, and think creatively. God designed the brain to need reinforcement to convert memories from short-term to long-term. Repetition or a strong emotion associated with the memory will make the neuron connections stronger. So it is no wonder the Holy Spirit inspired its writers to remind their readers of specific events.

Fall, a season of transition, moving us from our summer breaks into our more structured schedules. Typically during the summer time as the weather invites us to spend time outside either by the seashore or pool side, in parallel our yearly commitments (i.e. work or school) grace us with opportunity to travel and relax or unplug from the daily grind. Then Fall arrives. It calls us back to routine. Commitments. Schedules. Progress. Even Nature is in tune to the call of Fall. Trees begin to change colors. The sun becomes more illusive, resulting in shorter stints of daylight. Animal kingdom begins to migrate. This call, although seasonal and predictable (for we all know summer does not last forever), leaves us needing faith.

Help!

Save me!

Short but impactful cries. When we hear such outcries, we pause to consider what tragedy awaits us. When cried out by a loved one we turn and run to action. Not much needs to be said for our hearts to be drawn to compassion and moved into resolution mode. If found on the crying out end, we too hope no one needs much more said for we find ourselves pressed for time or too muddled to even speak further. Oh, how our Savior can relate!

Ever paint the interior of your home? Whether you hired someone or completed the endeavor in your own efforts, it requires the removal of all items from the walls and covering of all items you do not want painted. This process can reveal similar manifestations of Christ’s work in an individual’s life once they have put off their old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of their Creator (Colossians 3:9,10).

Every other day, I begin my mornings with an early run. Nothing accompanies me but my audio bible. As I let the word of God wash over my mind and all my senses, I feel I am moving into clear focus. Foot turn-over after foot turn-over, and the trees become more vibrant, the air becomes lighter, and dreams and passions in my heart become more attainable. Focus.