The end of summer signals the last minute scurry to pack in all the extra things we wanted to do with our sunshiny days. Trips to the waterpark get squeezed in with back to school shopping. Vacations and kayaking add to the hoopla.
The beginning of Fall is just around the corner for us in the north. The temperatures are dropping at night and orange colors are starting to show up here and there in the trees.

This morning’s time in God’s Word raised the question of fruit in my life. I look out the back door at Fall’s fruit on my apple trees, the orbs changing shape and color, and I wish the fruit in my life were so tangible.
• I look at the fruit of God’s Spirit and ask, is love growing in me? Faithfulness? Self-control? Am I treating others with kindness? As I enter a different season of life, am I becoming more selfish, or selfless?
• I think about the fruit of good works the Lord intends for me to hang in my tree and I wonder, “Am I more in tune with His nudges, or am I drowning out His voice?”
• I ponder the fruit of a closer relationship with God and ask, am I leaning into His grace more or relying on my self-sufficiency?
What would you do, to ensure fruit is growing in your life?
Small groups at church help me grow closer to the Lord, as we study His Word. We dig for truths found there, and flesh them out together. It also gives us opportunity to develop relationships, as we seek what it means to serve God and others. Why not give it a try? If your church doesn’t have small groups, invite others to join you. Isn’t it time to start something new?
What will you be ending and beginning in the next few weeks?
Sally

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