Do you sometimes abandon efficiency and choose the scenic route? I do. While running errands, I drive out of my way to visit my favorite fall site—a street in our town that is lined with gingko trees.
When the temperature cools, the green fan-shaped gingko leaves transform into brilliant splashes of yellow. When the leaves fall, the sidewalk looks like sunshine pooled on the earth, and it makes me happy.
Think about the color palette God chooses for fall decorating. Red maple leaves, orange pumpkins, golden chrysanthemums, brown chestnuts, and more. They’re all pretty, but the yellow of the gingko trees is my favorite.
Some homeowners add yellow accessories throughout the year to brighten living spaces. Touches of this pretty color add a feeling of warmth and welcome. Wouldn’t you agree that yellow is cheery? And who doesn’t need a bit of mirth in their lives?
Consider some of
Even while imprisoned, the apostle Paul
So too, Jesus wanted his disciples, and us, to have courage and comfort in difficult situations. Three of the four gospels—Matthew, Mark, and John—record how Jesus calmed the fears of His disciples during a storm at sea.
Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.
Matthew 14:27
Some Bible translations use the phrase “take courage” rather than “be of good cheer,” but we know that Jesus provides peace and encouragement to troubled souls.
When preparing followers for His impending death and resurrection, Jesus said,
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
As gingko trees bring sunshine to the surrounding area, we can share cheer with others from the well of joy and comfort Jesus supplies for us. Let’s share some ideas for doing just that.
Practical Ways to Spread Cheer
Encouraging Words
- Write short Bible verses on a pumpkin to be given away.
- Choose bookmarks with Bible verses to share with freshly baked oatmeal cookies (homemade or bakery version). Tie the bag with a fall-colored ribbon.
- Offer to pray with someone who shares a concern.
- Make a greeting card with a pretty fall picture and add encouraging words.
- Take time to visit someone who needs a listening ear or fellowship. (Weather changes make good conversation starters.)
Acts of Kindness
- Take an elderly person who can’t drive for a ride to view autumn’s beauty and then, share a cup of hot apple cider.
- Contact a local ministry to purchase a Thanksgiving meal for someone.
- Rake a neighbor’s yard as a surprise blessing.
- Offer to help a widow winter proof her home.
- Invite neighbors to watch a Saturday football game and attend church with you on Sunday if they don’t have a church of their own. Fire up the grill or serve chili dogs.
Meaningful Gifts
- Donate warm socks to a homeless shelter.
- Purchase a gift card for a pumpkin latte or cup of cocoa as a “thinking of you” gift.
- Bake small loaves of apple or pumpkin bread to share.
- Take a pot of mums to someone recovering from surgery.
- Share a basket of delicious fall apples or place an apple on each co-worker’s desk. Add a card with the following verse:
Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Psalm 17:8
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.
Let’s brighten someone’s fall day by sharing a little cheer, shall we?
I hope you’ll contribute an idea to the comment section below to add to our “share a little fall cheer” lists.
All Scripture verses are taken from the NKJV.
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