Why I love the fall

Because of this:

This is a picture of Kenyon College in Ohio from a Forbes article on the most beautiful colleges in the world. Kenyon ranks #1! How cool is that? But notice the picture chosen. A fall picture. Doesn't it just evoke? Who doesn't think of college and remember days walking through the leaves, the chill autumn air, the football games on Saturdays (OK, anyone who went to school in the Southern portions of the country, I know). But when Hollywood wants a college for a setting, as often as not they go to one in the fall in the north. And not because colleges have to be associated with fall, it just makes the whole look better. More beautiful. Fall is God's own fireworks display. It's when we are reminded of just how much fun God must have had creating the universe, and how much fun we are supposed to have enjoying it. Sure, there are other parts to fall. The energy that must be ingrained in us from a lifetime of going back to school, meeting new friends, the anticipation of the fun, the homecoming parades with cider and apples, the field trips to orchards and pumpkin patches, Halloween... And right around the corner Thanksgiving and then the granddaddy of all holidays: Christmas! There is just so much to love about the fall, and God gave us the pleasure of such a wonderfully eye pleasing backdrop against which to enjoy it all. No wonder St. Francis's day is smack in the middle of Autumn! Who else but one who enjoyed everything God created with such zeal:

Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord,
All praise is Yours, all glory, honor and
blessings. To you alone, Most High, do they
belong; no mortal lips are
worthy to pronounce Your Name.

We praise You, Lord, for all Your
creatures, especially for Brother Sun,
who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with
great splendor, of You Most High, he bears your likeness.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister
Moon and the stars, in the heavens you have made them
bright, precious and fair.

We praise You, Lord, for Brothers Wind and
Air, fair and stormy, all weather's moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Water,
so useful, humble, precious and pure.

We praise You, Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night.
He is beautiful, playful, robust, and strong.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister
Earth, who sustains us with her fruits, colored flowers, and herbs.

We praise You, Lord, for those who pardon,
for love of You bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace,
by You Most High, they will be crowned.

We praise You, Lord, for Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in their sins!
Blessed are those that She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm.

We praise and bless You, Lord, and give You thanks,
and serve You in all humility.