Oh, Fall, how I love thee; let me count the ways...

Honestly, it's true - I've always loved the fall. In fact, I love the beginning of all the seasons. A new direction in the wind, a time for change...it reminds me of the verse in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 in which "there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."

The reason that I love fall so much is because a lot of great things happen in the fall. Despite my outward groans, I do enjoy going back to school every August/September because I like to learn and see my friends again. Also, every member of my immediate family's birthdays are in the fall, starting with Dad on Aug. 30, me (yea!) on Sept. 14, Mom on Sept. 24 and Mark on Oct. 11. That, along with the annual West Texas Fair & Rodeo that always came to Abilene around the time of my birthday, has left me with many happy memories of the early fall all through my childhood.

As we move on into the season, only more joy awaits a young heart. First, there is the ever-popular Halloween - who doesn't love to dress up and eat candy??? Then there is the glorious three-day holiday for Thanksgiving, a time for visiting family and eating lots of great food (something that I love). With Thanksgiving comes the official kick-off for the Christmas season, which, of course, is the most wonderful time of the year. This joyous time culminates with the big day on Dec. 25, leading us into winter and a time to bundle up and stay warm while having a break from work and school.

Having said all of this, how could I NOT like fall? It's impossible. Thus, I sit here with a smile on my face as the wonderful season of autumn moves closer and closer towards Texas, me, and the lives of the people I love. Happy early fall, everyone!