Finding God’s Presence in the Falling Leaves

By Lydia LaBelle

There’s something about autumn that makes me slow down. Maybe it’s the way the air shifts, crisp and cool, carrying the scent of woodsmoke. Maybe it’s the blaze of leaves—gold, scarlet, and amber—reminding us that even endings can be breathtakingly beautiful.

Fall is the season of surrender. The trees let go of what they cannot keep, trusting that new life will come again in spring. It’s a truth that echoes deep in my own walk with Christ: there are times when God asks me to release what I’ve held tightly, to trust Him with the empty branches.

As I write new stories (and yes, I’m so excited for you to see what’s coming soon—be sure to check out the Books tab for my latest releases!), I find myself circling back to this theme of surrender. Whether I’m writing historical fiction, contemporary stories, or heartfelt devotionals, the question that lingers is always the same: Can we trust God in the in-between seasons?

Autumn whispers yes. It shows us that letting go isn’t the end, but part of the process of renewal. The ground that receives the fallen leaves becomes the soil for tomorrow’s growth.

So, as the days shorten and the air grows cooler, may I encourage you to pause. Step outside, breathe in the changing season, and let God remind you that He is faithful through every turn of life’s calendar. Just as surely as fall yields to winter and winter gives way to spring, His grace carries us forward—beautifully, tenderly, and always right on time.

With love and gratitude,

Lydia LaBelle