Autumn is my favourite season because why not? With all those leaves changing into lovely shades of cinnamon red, dark rich shade of orange, sunny yellow, chocolatey brown, purple shades – they’re a beauty to behold! And not to mention the dropping temperature and the air turning crisp which makes me wrap myself in the comfort of my favourite sweater and sip hot chocolate while watching the leaves fall slowly and gracefully from the branches of the trees in my backyard. Autumn is the season that makes me feel all warm and cosy inside and out.

But not everyone is an autumn fanatic like me. Truthfully, a lot of people dread the fall season because it is a sign that winter is coming. Things like leaves changing colours, pumpkins and pumpkin spice, apple pie or halloween stuffs, these signs of the season changing are an environmental cue that winter is just around the corner and SAD (seasonal affective disorder) with it.

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons, typically starting in the late fall and early winter and going away during the spring and summer. And there are people who have what we call seasonal beliefs, most of the time stating something like “I’m just not at my best in the winter.” Psychologists say that people who endorse these beliefs are more likely to be depressed in the winter.

My own attitude towards fall is also to a lesser degree rooted in personal belief. I do not experience SAD because for me “Fall means Thanksgiving is coming soon” (Canadian Thanksgiving is October 12 this year), which means family time”. And speaking of thanksgiving, to overcome SAD we need to be thankful to Jesus Christ that we are saved. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).

The more we thank Jesus, the less we will be in self pity, and the more we will think positively. Our circumstances may go up and down, but in everything we should give thanks. “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. I know it is not easy doing this, but it is possible. This is the biblical way of getting free from any depression or oppression. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say rejoice! Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4,6&7.

So this fall, let us all fall into Jesus’ love. For Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and His banner over us is LOVE.