I inhaled the cool, crisp air as I greeted the dawn on September 1. I hopped into the car and made my way to Emileigh and Jacob’s apartment. They were hosting a yard sale and I had volunteered to be on Schlepping and Beverage Delivery Duty. The grass still had dew on it making my sandals a cold, slippery choice as we placed merchandise on the tables.
As we waited for the ensuing masses to arrive, I couldn’t help but wonder how September arrived so quickly. I blinked and August was gone. I mean GONE. I really love this time of year–truly. I just hadn’t quite mentally prepared myself for another passing season.
I guess I’m keenly aware of it also because in the desert, the weather stays the same most of the time give or take a windy day or a cool phase. No rain and always sunny makes it feel like time stands still.
In Springfield, Missouri we can sometimes experience all four seasons in one week! And now it’s Autumn.
The yard sale continued through Saturday and proved a success, in that, items were purchased, a little extra money was made and space was freed up in their home. Afterward, I celebrated by taking a fistful of coupons to Bath & Body Works to purchase my Fall supply of candles. I had been a die-hard Yankee Candle fan for years, but the price just got too high and I found a cheaper, but fabulous solution.
So as our studio apartment smells like Pumpkin Apple, I thought one more errand to Hobby Lobby would complete the day’s festivities. (I am in America y’know! Live the dream!) I had a coupon for there too and wandered each aisle looking at all things Autumn, Christmas and everything else.
I picked up a wooden Christmas wreath that needed painting, carried it around for a while, but decided against it. I looked at the ornaments, read the decorative signs and wondered what exactly I should or rather COULD purchase. You see, it’s not that easy. Our life here in the US is temporary. I have to remember that each season we’re here is only ONE season every FIVE years.
I do like to find things for overseas. Hobby Lobby has sadly not made it’s way to Sudan. (Though I’m willing to help with negotiations should that become a possibility!) However, everything has to be purchased and viewed through the lens of:
- How big is it?
- How much does it weigh?
- Is it culturally appropriate?
- Will it fit in a suitcase?
- Is it fragile?
- Will it be more important in the suitcase than say 12 deodorants or a cooling towel?
Once I have answered these questions, I seriously consider it. I concluded my time by purchasing a sheet of llama stickers. Yes, you read that right. Llama stickers. I didn’t even need my coupon.
I was frozen with emotion and indecision. Should I buy the wooden wreath? Do I give it away when it’s finished or will I keep it? Will I like it enough to take it with us to Sudan? If so, where would I hang it in Sudan? I don’t even know what my house will look like! Which makes me thing of a visa…which we don’t have yet…Oh, the drama all caused by a delightful home decor retailer! I put the wreath down and noticed the llama stickers. They made me smile. Our girls would like them. They were a dollar…very little commitment or emotion required.
So I came home showed John the “big prize”, settled in with a lit candle and sewed a button on a shirt. Not nearly as exotic as I had imagined at the start of the day, but a realistic ending to a changing season in Missouri and in my heart. Life is good and each day is to be embraced.
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven,” Ec. 3:1.
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