FALLing

I was outside a while ago and I realized that it finally seemed like Fall.  This is one of my favorite times of the year when the weather changes but not so much that it's pouring outside.  I like it when it's cool outside at night and you have to actually use some kind of blanket when you go to sleep.  I love the colors of the season as well.  I love looking up at the trees with the leaves that have changed from green to hues of orange, yellow, red and brown.  You notice these things when you're a kid but when you get older it all becomes somewhat whimsical.
Shopping during fall when all you expect are Halloween costumes makes you crazy when you realize that Christmas is just around the corner.  Yesterday at Target they had halloween decorations right next to Christmas cards.  Honestly, I can't imagine where the year went.  Last time I looked we were welcoming in 2011 and in just three short months we will welcome in 2012.  You know what that means...the end of the world according to some....but wait...wasn't the world supposed to end in 1999 too?  All I know is that we are all on this earth for a reason and we are all leaving it one day, but I doubt we are all going to be wiped out because a calendar ends next year.
This year flew by.  As I sit here and reflect on my life this year I must say that it has been eye opening.  I went through a lot of medical procedures, personal changes, spritual transformation and just a myriad of my own all kinds of crazy that in essence made me realize that the only way to go is forward.  There have been times I lost sight of my goals and dreams and plans but I know with little reinforcements every day I am going to get there.  When my dreams and hopes become reality I will look back on the year that was my turning point and remember 2011.  This time last year I would never have believed that I would be here close to ten pm in my own private suite, ready to go to bed alone...but I am.  I think about all the events that took place to get me to this point and things make me both happy and tearful. 
I may not have the exact blueprint for the next chapter in my life but I am faithful that God will show me the way and I will be happy.  Who knows where I will be when the summer leaves change into fall colors again next year and I am reflecting on all the things 2012 has brought me.