When my foot hit the cold floor this morning I wasn't sure why I loved Autumn. I hurried to the bathroom, quickly turned on the little space heater, and shivered until my body finally began to enjoy the warmth. Then I ran back to bed and quickly buried myself under the covers. Getting out the second time seemed like punishment!

It didn't take long until I was reminded of the grandness of Autumn. Coffee tastes so much better on cool mornings. The sweetness in the crisp morning breeze is so refreshing to the nose. Layers of long sleeves, sweaters, and the softness of socks after a barefoot summer feel so gentle and comforting to my skin. The squirrels and blue jays friskily prepare for the upcoming winter. The changing leaves are always a joy to watch although this year seems to be a bit dull. And watching the dogs play and run in the leaves is just so much fun!

Autumn brings fresh apple pies, homemade applesauce, pumpkin pies, and the first scents of the holiday season. It is a season to refocus on gratitude and center ourselves on the bits of daily happiness God sends our way each and every day!