Each year around the end of August summer begins to grow old. While the leaves will not turn to their brilliant fall colors for a few more weeks, there is a subtle change in the greens. There is a lengthening of the shadows. The hollyhocks have lost their flowers and the chrysanthemum buds are swelling. The pumpkins are almost ready and the Indian corn is drying. And here and there one sees a splash of color on a few tree branches.
There is something poignant about things aging before their time. Sometimes we see children who know far too much about life. You can see it in their eyes. They are burdened from a past filled with things they do not mention.
There are times when we may be tempted to speak harshly to someone. However, we should pause for there is so little we really know about each other. Words of encouragement would be so much better—so much more Christ-like.
“… and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive …. 2 Peter 1: 7-8
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 30, 2002
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