Finding God in Autumn: Embracing the Season of Change on Your Next Getaway
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, autumn arrives with a glorious display of colour and a gentle invitation to slow down. For many of us, summer holidays are a time for adventure and activity, but there’s something uniquely restorative about an autumn escape. With golden leaves underfoot and the scent of woodsmoke in the air, this season is an ideal time to seek God’s presence, reflect on the year, and enjoy meaningful moments with loved ones. Here’s how to make the most of autumn on your next Christian holiday or retreat.
1. Savour Creation’s Beauty
Autumn is a living tapestry of God’s creativity. Whether you’re wandering through woodlands ablaze with red and gold, strolling along a misty shoreline, or driving through the countryside dotted with pumpkin patches and harvest fields, take time to marvel at creation. Bring a camera or sketchbook and capture the details: a single crimson leaf, the glow of late afternoon sun, or the quiet beauty of a dew-covered spiderweb. Use these moments to pause, give thanks, and worship the Creator who paints each season with new wonder.
2. Plan a Spiritual Retreat
The natural rhythm of autumn—a time of gathering, letting go, and preparation—mirrors the spiritual life. Consider booking a weekend at a Christian retreat centre, a rustic cabin, or even a cosy cottage for a personal DIY retreat. Use this time for prayer, journaling, and reflection. Ask God what He wants you to harvest from the past months, and what you might need to let go of before winter. Autumn’s quieter pace is perfect for listening deeply to God’s voice.
3. Celebrate Harvest and Thanksgiving
Autumn is traditionally a season of harvest festivals and thanksgiving. If your holiday falls near a local celebration, join in! Many churches host harvest services and suppers, where you can enjoy fellowship, share food, and support community food banks. Even if you’re away from home, start a family tradition of gratitude: keep a “blessings jar,” take turns sharing what you’re thankful for at mealtimes, or write prayers of thanks on fallen leaves.
4. Embrace Cosy Fellowship
With cooler evenings, autumn is the perfect time for board games, puzzles, or storytelling by the fire. Bring along your favourite worship music or devotionals and gather for evening prayers. If you’re travelling with family or friends, create a “Sabbath evening” tradition: light candles, enjoy a simple meal, and reflect together on God’s goodness.
5. Serve and Share
As the season changes, needs in the community often become more visible. Consider using part of your holiday to serve others—volunteer at a local soup kitchen, help with a church outreach, or bring a homemade treat to a neighbour. In sharing God’s love practically, your holiday becomes a blessing to others and to your own heart.
Conclusion
Autumn is a season of beauty, change, and deep spiritual opportunity. Whether you’re seeking quiet reflection, meaningful fellowship, or simply a break from routine, let your next holiday be a journey into God’s heart through the richness of His creation. Embrace the season—its colours, its comforts, and its call to draw closer to the One who makes all things new.