September

This year, September 22nd marked the changing of the seasons.  We passed from Summer to Autumn.  Intuitively I know that the seasons are changing, although I didn't know the exact date until a few days ago.  I just don't keep up with the autumnal equinox the way I once did.  Even still.  Days getting shorter, a few leaves turning, but the days are in the low 80's so I feel fall hasn't quite arrived.  But I know something's different.

And, given the September the 4 Watsons have had, I find myself wondering similarly.  Some hints of changing seasons.  

We began the month in Nicaragua.  Lisa and I flew down with some friends from Living Hope to visit with some friends at Samaritano.  A wonderful visit.  Full of life, hope, joy hints of God-inspired changing seasons despite the brokenness all around.  While there, we taught, played, preached, ate and shared communion.  All vivid reminders of the final season change to come.  

We ended the month by moving our things into storage and moving ourselves into the home of Greg Jackson, the Youth Ministry dynamo at Living Hope.  We're grateful for his generosity and hospitality.  We're still waiting to close on a house, which we pray will be soon.  

We've moved so many times and lived with folks on occasion that you'd think this pattern would get easier for us.  But it doesn't.  Not for me at least.  I'm too sentimental to move through a move or relocation without some sadness and wondering and celebration of time spent at a certain address.  

Our place on Avalon was our first stop in Memphis.  We found the place on craigslist and discovered on a house hunting trip to Memphis prior to moving here.  Pink House Queen, Beth Eckloff, was with us and so even that has a special significance to us.  Its where we brought Elias home to after his birth.  And where he learned to walk.  Several special moments and memories.  

But seasons change.  And now we find ourselves wondering what the next month, the next season will bring.  And we're glad we didn't pack our coats away in storage.