You may remember this picture from August, but hopefully you think it is brand new. Love flowers and open air cafes. Really, flowers and anything make for a good match to me. Our weather today leaves the idea of November out of sight, but yes I can't deny that it is here. Open the windows and enjoy this glimpse of fall. Today is a gift, and I believe this week will follow suit.

Why do we hurry through these special times, without even noticing the beauty of it? I know why, it's the pressure of the mundane, pushing us toward something else. Isn't there something else on the list of "to-do" that comes up after the first one is complete? Jesus says, Come and rest my beloved.

"O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, In the secret places of the cliff, Let me see your face, Let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, And your face is lovely. Catch us the foxes, The little foxes that spoil the vines, For our vines have tender grapes.    {Song of Solomon 2:14-15}

God longs for us to come to Him, after the craziness of our schedules, in the quiet place, where we find rest in His arms. Come away my beloved! This is the secret of a life well lived, a life worth living. Above the clatter and commotion, God is there for us, waiting with confidence and patience that we will come!