It is, indeed, possible to celebrate all that is good and beautiful during the golden harvest days, while at the same time reconciling the reality of all that has been upended by pain, health troubles, relational conflicts.
Jennifer Dukes Lee, Growing Slow: Lessons on Unhurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl
We are not farm girls. We are Florida girls who know no change of seasons whatsoever. Yet, we know the abundance that is intrinsic in Fall. We celebrate with plaid shirts and booties even though it’s 80 degrees. Our churches and schools haul in truckloads of pumpkins and gourds for photo ops. We bake with apples, pears and cranberries that come from somewhere else. Even so, we treasure the harvest.
We know growth and we welcome fruit when it appears.
My bucket lists are a lot about bearing fruit. They are intentional guides to help you live out love, self care, creativity and hospitality in every season.
I truly wasn’t sure if I would craft a bucket list this Fall. But then a friend asked me to make a bucket list for her pastor’s wives retreat. After I finished that project, I changed up a few of the items to cover those of us ladies who are not married to a pastor, or not married at all.
I hope you’ll print this bucket list and put it on your desk or in your purse. I will probably stick a copy in my planner. I mark off each item as I go and try to remember to take a pic of the thing that I did for remembrance.
- My hope is that through monthly coffee with a new friend, you’ll grow deep roots of friendship and exemplify community to others.
- My wish is that you’ll have fun and maybe even feel unexpectedly brave with a seasonal, signature lipstick.
- I am already smiling at the thought of you dropping off a fall basket on a friend’s doorstep, ringing the doorbell and running back to your car before you’re seen.
Two Things at Once?
I see you doing all of these things despite the pain, troubles and conflicts you’ve been living. It’s okay to do two things at once. I have always loved Fall, but I love it differently now. That’s because I’m okay with doubting and believing at the same time. I am okay with growing and being pruned in the same moment. I’ve learned to face the hard circumstance and also be filled with hope. I can be confident and also not know what is going to happen next. It’s okay to do two things at once.
Girls, even Florida girls, live the Fall bucket list. Celebrate the season of harvest. Even if you are sure it’s not your season of fruit, embrace the season that promises the coming of fruit. Reconcile, grow and celebrate all at the same time.
Love you always,
Sasha
