Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, when company visits, the kids love looking out the west window; amazed to see a sunset, especially since they live "down town" and don't often see sunrise or sunset! They hollered, "Come quick - a golden hour up here is about to happen, 'cause the sun is about to set! Come; see the sun, quick; it's almost resting on the horizon! Come look!"

There is a moment when the sunlight shines on housetops in the neighborhood across the valley from us, and onto the hills to the west, like a "golden hour." They all rush to the window or out onto the deck to view the beauty of our Creator.  It's autumn, so they're busy chatting about the glorious view and marvel at all the autumn colors in hedges, lawns, boulevards, even a few flower beds at several neighbors' homes, plus the golden colors of trees, like driving down one street, it's like driving through a colorful tunnel, encircled with beautiful autumn colors. "That was pure golden, right, Billy?" They laugh!

Ken noticed there still was to be a tiny yellow dandelion blooming, hiding under a few weeds.  Then Bill noticed small purple flowers blooming hereby. We all laugh, marveling at all the beauty that God has brought into our lives.

Little Amy looked at the close-by tree and says: "Mom! It's golden right by this house!  I love that yellow/golden color, you think you might find a sweater for me in that color, 'cause it's autumn[1],  Mama, and God's made the seasons, even this golden one, right?" More smiles. Then Amy adds, "Lord, thank You for allowing us to notice the beauty in this Golden Hour, in this world that You created for us." More smiles! A few minutes later, all colors change, as the sun sets.

Love, Mara

[1] Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.'